It is with deep sadness that we announce the recent passing of Barry Bruce Woods, surrounded by family, at the age of 76.

Born to Roy Bruce Woods and Agnes Elizabeth (nee White). Devoted husband to Dianne for 48 years. Proud father to Jennifer and Dustin. Loving Big Bear to granddaughters Rachel, Paige, and Isabella. Survived and missed by his (much older) sister Barbara and her husband Dr. Michael Baker, aka Uncle Mikey.

Greatly missed by Barbara and Peter Titman, nieces Jill, aka Dr. Pill (Victor) and Rebecca, aka Dr. Brat (Shawn) and nephews Jeff (Debra) and Graeme (Katie), as well as extended family, friends and former co-workers.

Being raised on Air Force bases across North America spawned a lifelong passion for aviation. A commercial pilot and flying instructor, he also spent 38 years as an Air Traffic Controller at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. In retirement, he was a proud member of the Lancaster Crew at the Canadian National Warplane Heritage Museum. He was honoured to play a small role in keeping the WWII bomber’s legacy alive.

Starting his first job as a grave digger at the age of only 12, he encouraged a strong work ethic and lived by a strict moral code. He took pride in his garden and was brought immense happiness by the family cats. He was an avid modeller, a skilled handyman, and a devout Chevrolet Suburban enthusiast.

Battling cancer for the last four years, he faced the disease with fierce, stoic determination and stubbornness, undergoing numerous surgical procedures and treatments until no further options were available.

He will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence and off-colour sense of humour by all those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care unit of the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Centre.