It is with great sadness, and deep love, that we announce the passing of Neil Robert Wood. Our world is forever changed.
Neil passed away on Sunday, July 7, at Peace Arch/Melville Hospice Home after fighting an unrelenting battle against aggressive bladder cancer for 18 months.
His wife, Sandy, has lost her husband, best friend, and life partner of 53 years.
Neil's daughter, Meghan (42, wife to Wayne), and Neil's son, Zachary (33), lost an amazing dad, coach, mentor, and wonderful caring provider for his family. His grandchildren, Heidi (14) and Oren (13), lost the opportunity to grow up with their Grandpa cheering them on. And the world lost a solid upstanding good human being.
Neil also leaves behind his sister Nina(John), sister Linda(James) and brother Ron(Chris) as well as many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Neil worked for 31 years with Air Canada/Canadian Airlines on the ramp at YVR, where he had many pals and made many memories. He was well-respected by his peers and superiors as a lead hand on the ramp. As a self-taught carpenter, he was always building or designing a project on the side, for his own home and garden, or for those of local clients. He was as handy as the day is long, and he was the go-to guy for anything that required tinkering or mechanical know-how, including the fun cars he owned throughout the years. Also a self-taught guitarist, his love for great music planted the seed for both his children's musical instincts. Those who knew Neil enjoyed his sharp, dry wit, and since he was a man of few words, people listened when he spoke.
Neil's family is lost and heartbroken but finds comfort in knowing his pain and suffering have ended. Only time will ease their sadness. Please keep Neil in your heart.
A celebration of Neil's life will be held on Friday, September 13, at 12:00 noon, at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre (14831 28th Avenue, Surrey, B.C.)
August 21st, 2024
A beautifully worded obituary and our thoughts and prayers go out to you Sandy, Meg. Zach and families.
Neil --- a Man we respected and loved over the last 41 years. Neil had a great eye for detail and a creative mind to always find ways to improve things. He was so amazing at creating Victorian style fretwork – and generously built two panels for our very plain, newly built home. It was a beautiful and intricate project! (Victorian-style fretwork is known for its elegance and detailed craftsmanship.) Neil had that in spades!
He was a happy man to be traveling with his dear wife, partner in crime, Sandy. They enjoyed so many historic sights and fine dining ALL around the world over the past 50 years. And Neil combined his craftsmanship with his love of many genres of music. I remember watching him , down in his basement, connect up his speakers to his electric guitar to play along with a prerecorded favourite song of his. Such a talented and semi techie guy! Neil had quite a diverse set of skills and experiences. His role as Lead Hand with ramp agents at Vancouver Airport was quite demanding – yet , being the easy going guy, he had MANY good friends from his time there.
And we can’t forget to mention his wry and dry sense of humour. We always got a kick out of his sarcastic rants ! -----he just had a succinct way of summing up how people OR the government could do so many boneheaded things….always made us laugh!
Neil will always be in our hearts---- Rest in Peace Neil. ❤️
August 12th, 2024
Beautiful tribute to a kind, talented man. A friend to our family ,always willing to lend a hand. Many cherished memories with Neil along with the rest of our “gal pal” husbands.
A beautiful classy couple and our thoughts and prayers go out to you Sandy, Meg and family and Zack!
Always in our hearts!!
Dave and Carolyn Grapentin
July 25th, 2024
I am beyond lucky to say that I hold many fond memories of you, Uncle Neil. I will forever cherish you and each of those moments. All of those past pieces of my life always bring a smile to my face. Thank you for that. Love you xo
July 23rd, 2024
What a beautifully comprehensive obituary paying tribute to the man who was our treasured friend for over fifty years. We were grateful that when we moved back to the Lower Mainland 26 years ago we were able to spend time with Neil and Sandy much more regularly. It is very sad that the group I always referred to as “the high school girls and husbands” has lost two of the husbands within a span of two months as we grieve for both Neil and my husband Brian. I look forward to the celebration of Neil’s life with the many family and friends who will be sharing their grief and their wealth of wonderful memories.
July 18th, 2024
I will miss you always, Dad. xo
July 18th, 2024
What a thoughtful tribute for Neil this is. Being so far away for many years I rely on some very great memories with Neil and Sandy. Always thought of Neil as the "quiet but very cheeky carpenter" but truly believe he is now forever free of any pain........... therefore, he is at peace.
Will definitely be with you all in spirit on the 13th. Love and Hugs to you Sandy...... and the kids.
July 17th, 2024
The tribute was so well done and reminded me of all that Neil was as a very good friend at Bow Mac Truck rentals in the 70s & carried on the friendship for the years following until distance was part of life. When we had the chance to reunite Neil was so vividly happy with his dancing eyes and loving smile he was so happy at where he was in life with Sandy and the kids along with all of what he created and his worldly travels. Although distance played a part in our relationship whenever I hear his name I SMILE! RIP my friend 🙏🏻💕
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