Obituary of Frederick Duncan Wood

It is with sadness that the family of Frederick Duncan Wood announces his passing at Neill Hall in Fredericton at the age of 82. Born in Fredericton, NB, on January 6, 1939, he was the husband of Gaynelle (Gray) Wood. In addition to his wife, Gaynelle, Fred leaves behind his son, Jeffrey Wood, and daughter-in-law, Susan; daughter, Carolyn Wood, and son-in-law, Arturo Mena Perez, all of Halifax, NS; brother, Edward Wood (Linda) of Lake Echo, NS; grandchildren, Matthew Maclagan and Blaze and Slade Wood, all of Halifax, NS; sister-in-law, Janet King of Pembroke, NB; and brothers-in-law, James Gray of Pembroke, NB and Edward Gallagher (Marjorie) of Maine; as well as several nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Fayne and Roma "Dolly" (Duncan) Wood; brother, Keith Wood; parents-in-law, Donald and Dorothy Gray; nephew, Andy King; brothers-in-law, Gordon King and Robert Gray; sister-in-law, Bernice Gray. Fred joined the Royal Bank family in 1958 beginning his career 37 -year career at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) main branch in Saint John, NB. This led to Woodstock, NB, where he met his wife Gaynelle. His career was off transitioning to various branches in Montreal, QC, and Ottawa, ON, before returning to the Maritimes. Atlantic Canada postings began in Truro, NS, then on to Gander, NL, a return to Woodstock, NB, and Halifax where he filled various roles including International Inspection. The final posting of his career was as the Manager of the Corporate Business centre in Fredericton, NB, from which he retired to a life of leisure in 1995. Wherever he lived he quickly became a part of the community life. Fred joined various community service clubs and sports teams ranging from hockey to curling to softball. In Halifax’s senior RBC softball league, he earned the nickname of "Papa Smurf". Sometimes considered the team’s secret weapon in the outfield or at bat, many other teams misjudged him and when at bat called the fielders in due to his grey hair and older appearance. That was their first mistake, then he would inevitably hit a solid ball deep into the outfield or over the fence. Fred was a man of the Baptist faith becoming actively involved in the Church communities as a member, a deacon, and on the board of directors in whatever location he was residing at the time. Throughout his work life and retirement Fred always loved nature and the outdoors. He could often be found in the woods or on the water surrounded by family and friends. Growing up in Grand Bay, NB, he developed skills during his formative years which he carried throughout his life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman travelling to seek challenges against Salmon, Artic Char, Rabbit, Deer, and Moose all throughout the Atlantic Provinces. A camp was the ultimate retreat, whether it was a log cabin on Gambo Pond, NL, or the camp on First Eel River Lake in NB, the cottage on Sherbrook Lake in NS, or the "simple" camp on Crown lands near the Little Dungarvon River in NB. His family was always a big part of these activities. You should have seen him in his glory driving a motorcycle, an ATV, one of his John Deere tractors, a boat / PWC, or a snowmobile. On rare occasions he was even seen behind the boat on water skies or the "circle" which sometimes resulted in him swimming, another favourite pastime of his. His grandsons brought such joy to his life. He loved boating, swimming with them, instilling in them his love of the outdoors and nature. There was also the standard question from his grandsons of "Are we taking the big boat or little boat?" as they ran ahead to the dock. The onset of Cancer and Alzheimer’s changed his journey but not his spirit. Fred accepted these new challenges with resolve and kept on living life to the fullest. Fred travelled abroad after retirement with Gaynelle and his gang of friends to Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, and Alaska. He continued to fully experience life up to and including his last trip in 2015. In April 2018, Fred went into LTC with Shannex in Frederick Hall starting the final stages of his glorious life where he passed peacefully on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2021, in Neill Hall, surrounded by his family in one way or another given current COVID-19 restrictions. A visitation will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home on Friday, July 16, from 7-9 pm. A memorial service will be held from the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11:00 am with Pastor Gordon Cook officiating. Due to limited space those who wish to attend the service should call the funeral home at 458-9170 to reserve a seat. Donation's in Fred's memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society.