WOOD, Waylen

The Rockwood Bear (1969-2026) A Tribute – Waylen Christopher Wood, born to Heather and the late Barry Wood (2020), brother to Tony Van Dam (Leslie) and Wendy Jennings (nee Van Dam) (Butch), father to Hunter and Ashley, nephew to favourite Aunt, Suzie Hebden (nee Wood), nephew to Orval Gates (Cathy), and to the many other family members, he was always thinking of all of you, even if it may not have seemed like it. Waylen was a man with good intentions. He wanted to be relied upon, and he wanted everyone to know he had their back. He was a very talented man – he could fix anything mechanical and could beautify any older vehicle (or any piece of lawn equipment, for that matter) into looking and running brand new again – a local hero in today’s throw-away society. He loved to hear laughter, and even more, he loved to cause that laughter. He was a quiet man, and therefore often misunderstood. He had a love for history (both community and family history), friendship, baseball, nature, cars, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. But his greatest love of all was Rockwood. He may have moved away from time-to-time, but his heart never left. And he loved to be known as the Rockwood Bear (and those close to him know why). He proudly knew every inch of this village like the back of his hand (which could probably fit the map of Rockwood on it!) and never gave up an opportunity to speak to everyone in it. And to Marla Reid: if any one person could symbolize what Rockwood meant to him, it would be you. Thank you for that. Like everyone, he would like to be remembered. He would like to know he made an impression in the lives of those around him. Please write on his Facebook page to let others know you have not forgotten him. Until we meet again, we will miss you, Waylen.