Obituary of John T. Wood

John T Wood, age 91, of Bedford, NS, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2015. Born in Kent, England on April 18, 1924, John was the son of the late Douglas Wood and Rosa (Cage), of Sturry, England. He is survived by his loving wife, Ann (Spencer), children Paul, Martin, and Amanda, sisters Margaret and Sylvia, grandchildren James, Toby, Anthony, Christopher, Martin Jr., Daniel and Yasmin, plus great grandchildren and many special nephews and nieces, all in England. He is predeceased by his first love, Joyce Elizabeth (Hendry), mother of Paul and Martin. John’s long life included being a WWII British Navy signalman, a London Daily Express linotype operator, Chronicle Herald production manager (how he came to Canada in 1969), a business owner (The Printing Shop), and a teacher at Cole Harbour District High School. John did many things in his spare time. He built a yacht, ran a riding stable, played the accordion, made tea trays, designed (and avidly solved) crossword puzzles, the list is long. But for 50 years, his main passion was dancing. First Morris dancing, then English folk dancing at London’s Cecil Sharp House where he met Ann. 45 years in Canada were spent dancing and teaching, many years with his beloved Playford Dancers and Thistle Scottish Country Dancers. One of his proudest moments was when he certified as a Scottish Country Dance teacher. He was also an active member of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo since 1979 (Dad, we know, you only missed 3 years!). Thanks to all his special friends and neighbours who gave their time and love, and to Melville Lodge staff for their attentive and expert care. Special note to Andrew and Ena Keast and Helen and Terry Huestis for all your help in the last year or so. Cremation has taken place. A tribute with dancing is onAugust 5th between 3 and 7 pm at Dalhousie University Club. If you knew John and would like more information email amandawood42@gmail.com. Condolences at https://johnwoodtribute.wordpress.com/ In lieu of flowers donations can be made to one of the following, or any dance related non-profit: NS Royal Scottish Dance Society http://www.rscdsnovascotia.ca/ Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo http://www.nstattoo.ca/sponsorship/become-a-sponsor Dance Nova Scotia https://www.dancens.ca/