BRAITHWAITE, Richard Derwood “Woody” Braithwaite

Passed away peacefully on Friday May 8, 2026 in his 83rd year, surrounded by his beloved wife and daughters, held close by the family he cherished most.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, the love of his life for 60 wonderful years; a love story that began when they met in high school in Watford, Ontario. Together, Derwood and Marilyn raised two daughters, Vicki and Jackie, beginning a proud line of girls that continued through the generations. Vicki and her husband, Jamie Zavitz, have two daughters, Tori and Kenzie. Tori and her husband, Mike Johnson, have two daughters, Noa and Indie. Kenzie and her husband, Nate Sullivan, have one daughter, Miller. Jackie and her spouse, Garth Davidson, complete the family. His was a family of daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters, of which Derwood was endlessly proud.

Richard Derwood “Woody” Braithwaite was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Margaret (Oke) Braithwaite, and by his siblings Jack, Fern Swan (Gord) and Ed. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Alice (wife of Jack) and Edna (wife of Ed), and by his brother-in-law Doug Dundas (Darlene).

Derwood was born in 1943 in Strathroy, Ontario, and was raised on a farm in Alvinston. From those early days, he carried with him the values of hard work, resilience and quiet determination that shaped the rest of his life. Derwood attended Agricultural College in Ridgetown while Marilyn pursued Nursing College in Chatham. They married and first settled in Chatham, then in Inwood, before ultimately putting down roots in Strathroy in 1972, where they have remained together ever since. Derwood spent more than 25 years with UCO ending his career as the Director of the Ontario Grain Division before purchasing and operating the Country Depot in Strathroy, later expanding it to include The Strathroy StorAll for 20 years, retiring in 2020.

Adventure was a big part of Derwood’s life. He and Marilyn wintered in Florida for 20 years, making a second home in Zephyrhills and traveled extensively, visiting more than 40 countries. They made a point of bringing their daughters along when they were young, creating lifelong memories together.

Community mattered deeply to him. He played hockey in his younger years, golfed in his later years, served on the Strathroy Blades executive, coached his daughters’ baseball teams and supported their involvement in skating, swimming and sports of all kinds. A proud Mason and Past Master of Beaver Lodge #83 in Strathroy, Derwood believed strongly in service to others. He was generous not only with his time, but also with his support of many worthy causes throughout his life. Derwood enjoyed live theatre, dancing, keeping up with CNN and regular trips to the casino. Las Vegas was a favourite destination and blackjack was his game.

The common thread through all of these passions was time spent with Marilyn. She was his constant, his partner, the Blondie to his Dagwood, and the person he admired most in the world.

Derwood also had an enormous soft spot for animals, especially his dogs. He ritualistically shared his morning toast with his beloved pups Duffy, Chester and Willie. They were three of the luckiest, most spoiled, dogs in the world.

Above all else, Derwood was a family man. Family was always his number one priority and he devoted his life to making sure those he loved felt safe, secure and deeply cared for. His girls grew up never doubting for a moment how much they were loved. He took immense pride in being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and father-in-law and nothing brought him greater happiness than having his family together. The strength of his love and devotion will remain one of the greatest gifts he leaves behind.

He battled cancer for many years with the same determination he brought to everything else. He endured a laryngectomy like a champion and carried on with quiet strength until his final diagnosis. He truly had a never-give-up attitude.

Derwood lived by simple rules: work hard, don’t quit, don’t complain and help where it matters. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, generosity, honesty and unwavering love.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thank you to Dr. Perkin for many years of dedicated care; Dr. Danielle MacNeil and Kendra (Speech Pathologist) at the Victoria Hospital Cancer Centre; Dr. Dunlop and the second-floor staff at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital; and the exceptional nurses and healthcare professionals who supported Derwood over the last five years.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Denning’s Funeral Home in Strathroy beginning at 12:00 noon, with the Celebration of Life service commencing at 2:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow. A private interment will be held at a later date.