Blair Woods May 7, 1956 – November 8, 2020
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Blair Woods of Elgin, MB. Blair passed away peacefully at the Souris Health Centre on November 8, 2020 at the age of 64.
Blair leaves to mourn his wife of 42 years Ardelle; son Brooks (Shealynn), daughter Hilary (Ben) Heide; grandchildren Wyatt, Dylan, Johnathan, William, Michael and Adelyn. Brother Morley Woods and sister Karen Yetter and Ed; sister-in-law Marilyn Woods, stepmother Faye Woods, Aunt Ginny (Jerry) Hardy, Uncle Ron (Bonnie) Woods, Aunt Doreen Cobbe, brothers-in-law Bill (Bobbi) Edgerton and Bob Edgerton and his favorite mother-in-law Marge Edgerton; several cousins and nieces and nephews and their families.
He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy (1983), his father Jack (1993), and father-in-law Laurie Edgerton (2013).
Stenson Blair Woods was born May 7, 1956, the eldest of Jack and Dorothy (nee Roper) Woods. Blair was born in Carman, Manitoba and the family lived in the Homewood area until moving to Elgin in 1960. He attended Elgin and Hartney schools. Through his teens, Blair participated in tractor pulls where he enjoyed every aspect of the competition. Although he did not share his family’s love of flying, he attended many flying farmer conventions where he made friends that he still had. He was a member of the Elgin Seed Club where his love of farming was nurtured. He was employed by Arnold Brothers Transport and continued his love of truck driving and has operated his own trucks hauling grain and fertilizer throughout Manitoba, western Canada and parts of the United States with the help of faithful employees. He was proud to help introduce and be the provincial connection for Spitz Sunflowers. He was a charter member of the Elgin Lions Club and was on several boards and committees in the Elgin area.
In 1974, he purchased Art and Norma Reid’s farm south of Elgin. His family lived on the farm until 1985 when they moved to the family farm at NW 8-5-21, the century farm where Blair’s grandmother Mae Woods (nee Sadler) was raised.
Blair was proud of his family. For Brooks, this meant sharing his knowledge of semi driving and teaching the value of what it takes to be a respected farmer. For Hilary, he was always supportive and always had her back. Blair loved of all his grandchildren. He always knew what they were doing, proud of their accomplishments and tried to be a part of their lives, even if it was from a distance.
Blair’s involvement in whatever he chose to do was always at 100%. He started snowmobiling in 1967 and fully enjoyed this sport. From collecting a wide variety of snowmobiles, taking many adventures with his buddies throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and several American states, to being one of the founding members of the Southwest Snowtrackers, serving on regional boards, being president of the provincial Snoman board and also second vice president of the Canadian Council of Snowmobiles Organization. Fundraising was always a privilege for Blair as he was able to combine his love of sledding with helping others who were not as fortunate as he was.
Blair was connected with many young people from all across Britain, Scandinavia, New Zealand and Australia from his involvement with the International Host Family Association. As a host father, he helped nurture their involvement in farming. He considered all trainees as friends and some became part of his extended family.
Blair’s passion for municipal involvement started in 1986. He was councillor for the Rural Municipality of Whitewater from 1986-2002 and became Reeve from 2006-2014. With the amalgamation of municipalities, he was pleased to accept the challenge and was voted in as Reeve for Municipality of Grassland from 2015 until his passing. With council involvement came several challenges, multiple conversations, an abundance of meetings and uncountable colleagues and friends made along the way. If he couldn’t be challenged, he wouldn’t be happy. He was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013 by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. They chose Blair for his exemplary efforts in making his community a great place to live. He was proud of the fact that he was always fair and honourable with his decisions and votes, even if they came at a personal expense. He always spoke with pride when it came to council, past and present.
Nothing made him happier than having an opportunity to share his knowledge and experiences, and as busy as he was, he always made sure to keep his family a priority. He loved to spoil his wife, was fiercely proud of his kids and all his grandchildren. He was a man of integrity and always put others ahead of himself. Everyone was treated with respect and fairness and his laugh will be remembered fondly. Time spent with family and friends provided everyone who is left to mourn with countless memories. His life ended sooner than anyone wanted it to, but it was well lived and he shared that he had no regrets. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to really know him.
“A meaningful life is not about being rich, being popular, being highly educated or being perfect.
It’s about being real, being humble and being kind.”
A private graveside service was held at the Elgin Cemetery on November 17, 2020 with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021.
Please accept our condolences on Blair’s passing. We are thinking of you Ardelle, Brooks and Hilary, and all of your grandchildren who will miss Blair dearly. Doug and Cathy Cowan
Dear Ardelle and Family,
Our most sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of Blair. Our thoughts and hearts are with you as you navigate these difficult times.
Dear Ardelle and family
I’m so sorry to hear about Blair. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Treasure all your special memories.
Sincere sympathy Ardelle, to you and your family! Thinking of you.
We are so sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Brad & Mona
Ellen and I wish to extend our sincere condolences on Blair’s Passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest sympathies Ardelle, Brooks, Hilary and family. Linda Baker and family
Don & Donna Fenwick
Ardelle and family
There are no words at this difficult time, but know that we are thinking of you with sincere sympathy.
May precious memories bring you comfort! I
We extend our sincerest sympathy and prayers to you Ardelle, Brooks and Hilary. We have the fondest memories of doing life with you in Elgin, and pray for comfort in grieving you loss.
Ardelle, Brooks, Hilary and families,
Our thoughts are with you. May these few words in some way help to express our heartfelt sympathy.
There is so little one can do, so little one can say, but many thoughts go out to you and all your extended family.
David and Wendy
We are so sorry for your loss . Wrap yourself and your family in the hugs we wish we could give . Remember the shared laughter and the good times.
Our sincere sympathy to you Ardell, Brooks and Hilary. we have such wonderful memories of time spent with you both.
Our condolences to Ardelle and the rest of the Woods family on Blair’s passing. Even though its been many years since we lived in the area, Blair always said hello anytime we saw each other. He will be missed.
Dave & Vivian
Dear Ardelle and family,
During this difficult time, may you find comfort in your loving memories and support from those who care for you.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Wes and Kerry Dane
Our sympathy to you Ardelle, Hilary, Brooks and families! Many great memories we will cherish! Allan and Brenda
We were so sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. We’re thinking of you Ardelle, Brooks and Hilary and all your families at this very sad time. Blair will be sorely missed and the community has lost a great fella.
Take care of each other and know you’re in our thoughts.
The Turner family @ Carroll
Our deepest sympathies to Ardelle and families on the loss of Blair..it is so unfortunate that during this time, you can’t be comforted normally by your community, friends and family…..but know you are in our thoughts and prayers
Ardelle, Hillary & Brooks, I am sorry that Blair had to leave. I pray you will find the strength, courage and faith through this difficult time. My sincere condolences. May He rest in eternal peace.
Joanne Butler.
I have good memories of Blair, Ardelle accept my sincere sympathy.
To Blair’s Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the sadness you feel now turn into happy memories with the passing of time.
Connie Moffatt
So sorry for your loss Ardelle , our condolences to you and your family he will be missed.
Norma Arnold and family
So sorry to hear the bad news. He will be missed. Condolences to everyone.
We were sorry to hear of Blair’s passing. Thinking of you all.
Ardelle and Family
Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time of grieving.
Sincerely
Dave and Gail Janz
Marilyn Forsyth
Our sincere condolences to Ardelle and family. I truly enjoyed working with Blair and his “let’s get it done” attitude. His dedication to the RM was second to none and he always tried to make the best decision for everyone. He will be sincerely missed.
Sending our sincere sympathy to you Ardelle, Brooks, Hilary and families….our thoughts are with you all….take care
Don and Cheryl Tufts
You have our sincere sympathy Ardelle and family. Cherish all the memories over the years!
Kyle and Bernice Trembath and family!
Ardelle and Family
Sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Blair, my deepest sympathies to all of you. Blair will be sadly missed by all of us. Just think of all good times and they will give you comfort.
Respectful
Joyce & Ken Horn
Thinking of you at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Ardelle and Family,
Our deepest condolences. He was taken far too soon.
You have our sympathy,
Howard and Myrna
Ardelle and family,
We are sorry to hear of Blair’s passing.
Our deepest sympathies
Del & Joyce
So Sorry to hear of Blair’s passing our thought’s and prayers are with you and your family, Hugs
Traci & Clive
We were surprised and saddened to hear about Blair’s passing. One time we were a large family, immigrating to Canada from Armaugh, Ireland. We are getting smaller now and the best of the story tellers are leaving. Blair’s Grandfather who was my Uncle Milt was one of the best. Blair had some history to pass on too. Whenever we got together we went over some. You left us to soon Blair. Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Larry and Doreen Woods, Carman, Manitoba.
Dear Ardelle, Brooks and Hilary and your families,
We send our love and sympathy for the loss of your Blair.
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield
Ralph and Averill Whitfield
Caleigh Walker
Ardelle, Brooks, Hilary and family;
We are so very sorry for the loss of Blair. We have fond memories of campfires at Victoria Park, synchronized skating competitions, Halloween at Elgin Hall and more. Take good care.
Bev and Garth Towler and family.
Ardelle, Brooks, Hilary and families
May the many great memories of Blair comfort and console you now
and give you strength for the tomorrows.
Sincere sympathy
Barry and Carla Brigden
Mom and I would like to send our deepest sympathy to Ardelle, Brooks and Hilary and families. Very sorry for your loss. Blair was always such a good friend to us and to Claire, he will be missed.
Helen and Debra Kain
Ardelle and family,
Sincerely sympathies to you and your family.
Patsy Andrews-Vert
Ardelle, Brooks & Hilary, I do not even know what to say. Blair will be greatly missed by all. From his smile to his laugh and always a joke. He was such a caring individual. Please accept our deepest condolences. His memory will live on through all of you.
Adelle, Brooks, Hilary & families:
I always enjoyed a visit with Blair. He will be sadly missed by the many many people who’s lives he touched over the years. He never expected “respect” he earned it with everyone.
There are many great memories to cherish by all of us. My thoughts are with you and the families during this difficult time.
Maurice Fry
We extend our sincerest sympathy to Ardelle, Brooks, Hilary and your families. Cherish all your many great memories of Blair.
Theresa O’brien and Bruce Quadrelli
Ardelle, Hilary, Brooks and families
I was shocked to just recently hear that Blair had passed. Last time I saw him was at your auction sale. I got to know Blair through the group of Spitz growers and eventually as a seed customer. I enjoyed my visits to your farm every spring delivering seed, crop tours and our chats at Agdays. He was highly respected. Our sincere and deepest sympathies to you all!
Ian and Maureen Pritchard
My sincere sympathy to the family!
Ardelle and family
Jack and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Blair. He was a great well respected man to his community,family and friends . Keep your fondest memories close to your hearts. They are ours to keep. Thinking of you all. Jack and Barb Barrows and family
Dear Ardelle, Brooks and Hilary!
It was sad to hear that Blair have passed away. I have many good memories from my stay at Skyline farms for 7 months in 1984. May Blair rest in pease. God bless you all.
Our deepest sympathy for the passing of Blair. Noreen and I will always remember the kind and happy person that Blair was. He would always see both sides of a good discussion .