WOODS, John Woods

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family at Oak Ridges Hospice, Port Perry on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the age of 83 years.  Husband of the late Merilyn (nee Hudson, 2022).  Loved and missed by his daughters Leanne Heming (Douglas) and Lisa Lumley (Scott). Cherished grandad of Kirsten (Nicholas), Lindsay (Josh), Roland and Claire, great-grandfather to Anthony, Audalina, Ethan and Emmett.  Brother of the late Joan Maclean (Don) and uncle to Carol Maclean (Philip).  Brother-in-law of Shelagh Carroll (Brian) and uncle of Kathleen and Aidan Carroll.

John was born in London, England and was raised by his loving parents, Horace and Mabel. His early years were spent in London until 1948 when he then moved with his family to Zambia, Africa where he lived until the age of 14.  His family then immigrated to Canada where he attended Jarvis Collegiate in Toronto, and upon graduation, he began working at Simpsons in the Accounts Department. Shortly after, he met  Merilyn, the love of his life, while on a ski trip.   They married in 1964 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Uxbridge. In 1966, they moved to Regina, where Leanne was born, then to Winnipeg and eventually in 1969, they settled in Ottawa where Lisa was born and they met many of their lifelong and cherished friends.  In 1984, John was transferred to the Toronto division of Simpsons Contract, and the family moved to Pickering, where John and Merilyn lived happily for many decades.  He began a successful career in financial planning in 1993, a job that he loved until his recent retirement.

John enjoyed being active, and he spent much of his time running, swimming, playing baseball, golf, badminton, and working out at the gym.  He was the number one fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and of the Blue Jays.  He and Merilyn explored the world together and visited over 140 countries, ticking off all of the items on their bucket list. He was very proud of his family and above all else, he valued time spent with them.

John will be greatly missed by many.  He was an encouraging and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and his whole family is comforted knowing that he is reunited with the love of his life, Merilyn.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street, Uxbridge on Friday November 21, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.  A Memorial Ceremony will take place at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 59 Toronto St S, Uxbridge on Saturday November 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM.  Reception to follow.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Oak Ridges Hospice would be appreciated by the family.  Friends are invited to share memories, express condolences or make donations www.lowandlow.ca.