WOODRUFF, Jack Woodruff

It is with heavy hearts that the family announce the passing of Kenneth John (Jack) Woodruff. Jack was born to the late Norman and Eva Woodruff on November 26, 1939, and took his last breath at the Huntsville Hospital in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, 2026. He was 86 years old. Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Venetia on May 30, 2018, one month shy of their 55th wedding anniversary.

Jack Woodruff is the forever loved and cherished Dad of Mary Woodruff (Josh), Ken Woodruff (predeceased) and Doug Woodruff (Kim). He is the loving Poppa of Kate Wright (Eric) and Kayley Woodruff (Nick) and Lisa Woodruff. Jack spent his life in Huntsville and was a true Huntsville boy. He loved spending time on his grandparents farm and being part of a large family of 9 children. During his early years he developed a lifelong passion for fishing, hunting and being in the great outdoors.

Jack started his career with the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1957 at 18 years old. During his early years, his supervisor took him home and introduced him to the woman who later became the love of his life Venetia. Jack and Venetia were married on June 29, 1963. They then welcomed their three children; Doug, Ken and Mary. He loved his family and all the greatness that came from being a Dad.

Jack was very proud of his career with the Ministry. He worked with many wonderful people over the years. He enjoyed every minute of his career and felt very fortunate that it provided so much for him and his family. He felt honoured to have the privilege of developing lifelong friendships with the people he worked with. After 36 years, Jack decided it was time to retire and to travel with Venetia. They enjoyed many trips, which included the east and west coast of Canada and their four-week trip to Alaska. He spoke of this trip in his final days. They shared many wonderful times together on these trips.

Jack and a close group of friends started what later became the Exotic Riverside Hunt Camp on the banks of the Big East River over sixty years ago. This incredible place was formed for families and friends to come from near and far to enjoy this little piece of heaven in the bush while making memories. Where they could explore Big Sky Country, have great times together and even enjoy a good drink. Many generations have attended the camp for these exact reasons. Jack’s wish was for this to continue for many years to come. Many friendships and bonds were created over the years with all that came to the camp and the many surrounding camps.

Jack’s love of the bush never went unnoticed. He had a lifelong love for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and ATV’ing. He shared these passions with his children, grandchildren and many friends.

Jack had a true gift in being able to recount many great stories of his past or sing a little song and for some lucky ones you even got to see him dance. He had many verses that he could recite, and you just never knew when these would be shared. He had a gift of being able to captivate an audience. His smile lit up a room while his laughter filled it. Jack had a love for life and loved to share that with all that came into his presence.

Jack is a wee bit of a legend and will forever be remembered as that. He may be gone but his stories and his ways will live on in the hearts of all that truly knew him. Nothing could stop him from doing what he wanted to do!

Goodbye for now…. Beagle 3 out.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Billingsley Funeral Home, 430 Ravenscliffe Road, Huntsville, Ontario.

The Funeral Service will be held at All Saints’ Anglican Church, 30 High Street, Huntsville, Ontario on Saturday May 9th at 11 a.m.

A reception will be held at the Huntsville Legion (upstairs) starting after the funeral service.

In memory of Jack, donations may be made to the Hospice Huntsville, Huntsville Hospital Foundation, or the Royal Canadian Legion – Huntsville Branch No. 232