Harold Fredrick Wood

June 23, 1936 – August 28, 2018
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Wood- Harold Fredrick Wood of Owen Sound, passed peacefully at GBHS Owen Sound with his partner of 21 years, Doreen McGregor, and his loving family by his side, on August 28, 2018, at age 82. Cherished husband of the late Janice Wood (nee Morrison). Dear father of Blanche Kindrat of Huntsville, Barry Wood (Christina) of Meaford, Bryon Wood (Isabelle) of Owen Sound and the late Bruce Wood. Step-father to Brian McGregor, Ruth Ann Bennett, Elaine Smith (Troy), and Patti McMillan (Mike). Loving grandpa to Amanda, Lisa (Norm), Michael ( Kirsten), Natasha (Dan), Ken, Keith (Sherry), Chris (Sue), Jeremy, Trevor (Elena), Cody, Tristen (Jon), and Jessica (Justin). Survived by siblings Beryl Harvey, Mable Boelk (Bob), Iona Wilson, Les Wood (Gwen), sisters-in-law Linda Morrison, Isabelle Weldrick, Marjorie Williams (Dennis) and brother-in law Wilf Shute. Proud great grandpa of fifteen, and fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Tom and Ethel Wood (nee Richardson), brother Jim Wood (Betty) and sister Eunice Brown (Wilmer). Also predeceased by his in-laws Ernie Harvey, Donald Wilson, Shirley Shute, Ken Morrison, Audrey Priestly (Ed), Muriel Angel (Bob), and Clifford Weldrick.

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Harold was born in Euphrasia Township and was raised on his parents farm near Flesherton, where he would attend both elementary and high school. One of his first jobs brought him to Chatsworth, where he found work at Carmichael's farm equipment dealership. He enjoyed working on farm equipment, and had a great aptitude for all things mechanical; a trait that would serve him well in the future when he started his own construction company. At that time a 50 acre dairy farm was purchased where he and his wife Janice would raise their four children. Their children remember Harold as being 'tough, but fair' as a father. He bestowed on each of them a strong work ethic; there was never any going out to a dance until the stables were clean! And there couldn't be a dance without music. Music was a love of his life and Harold was an accomplished violinist. From 1990 jam sessions in Russ Mitchell's rec room, the Rainbow Country Band would form with other founding members Gord Lourie, Don Gautreau, Marlene Stevenson, Lois MacArthur, Doreen McGregor, and Glen Eden. Harold, along with Garnet King and Hugh Neelands joined shortly after, and they would typically perform as a 7 or 5 piece band. Over the 16 year history of the band, they would play 684 times, including every New Year's Eve, wedding and anniversary parties, dances and parades; from Hepworth to Listowel, and everywhere in between. They were practically the 'house band' at the Owen Sound and Durham Legions, playing there 131 and 82 times respectively. On the bands tenth anniversary, over 250 people would attend the celebration; dancing and enjoying Harold's music. It would be music that would see Harold through the most difficult points of his life, including the loss of his son and wife. His love of music also led him to his next love, Doreen. His family now included step-children and grandchildren. Harold was many things during his lifetime including a loving father and grandfather, a talented and respected homebuilder. Yet it was perhaps the music that tied everything together. During his later years, Harold and Doreen enjoyed spending time at their trailer, camping at Kilsyth. Evenings would find them there playing pepper or euchre with friends, quiet time with a Sudoku puzzle, or settling in with music, always a little music, by the campfire.

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Visitation will be held at the GARAFRAXA HILL FUNERAL HOME, Chatsworth, from  1:00 – 2:00 pm on Saturday September 1, 2018, with a Celebration of Life service immediately afterwards at 2:00 pm. Luncheon and fellowship to follow at the funeral home reception area. Private family inurnment at Walters Falls Cemetery. If desired, donations to Grey Bruce Health Services would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com 

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