Tribute

It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Woodward announces his passing from complications due to COPD, on Thursday, May 2, 2013, at the age of 71 years. Survived by loving wife Carol of 49 years (six months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary); son Gary Woodward (Chris) of Victoria, B.C.; grandson Eleric Woodward of Victoria, B.C.; step-grandchildren Bowen and Maya of Victoria, B.C.; daughter Joanne Bertrand (Dave) of Powell River, B.C.; step-grandson David Jr. of Nanaimo, B.C.; sister-in-law Eileen (Woodward) Lowry of Duncan, B.C.; sister-in-law Virginia Royle (Julian) of Cyprus, Greece; niece Mandy Royle of York, England; niece Debbie Gallagher (Charles Sr.) of Cyprus, Greece; great-nephew Callum of York, England; great-niece Billie-Georgia of York, England; great-nephew Charles Jr.. of York, England; great-nephew Harry of Cyprus, Greece; special family friends Kathy and Buffy Elzinga, Gordie Rumley, David Chang and Anna-Marie (Chang) Williams; and beloved fur-baby Rascal. Predeceased by sisters Audrey Woodward and Beryl Sweeney; brother Tom Woodward; and beloved fur-babies Cindy, Kayla, Mugly, and Bear. Jim was born on Oct. 23, 1941 in Timperley, Altrincham, England, to parents Aubrey and Esther Woodward. Jim and Carol met in 1959, married in October 1963 and welcomed son Gary in November 1965, and daughter Joanne in June 1970. While Carol was awaiting the arrival of their son, Gary, Jim could be found rehearsing with his rock ‘n’ roll band The Shadows. Before immigrating to Canada in March 1976, Jim was a qualified hairdresser until he became a sales representative for L’Oreal. After settling in Duncan, Jim worked briefly for his brother Tom at Pacific Rim Travel before going into partnership at Juliet’s nightclub. Once the partnership ended, Jim’s friendly smile and great personality were recognized mostly at the Galaxy nightclub or at Orca Manufacturing, both located in Duncan. Jim entered another partnership and managed Sweetwater’s nightclub in Victoria before retiring in 2003. A life-long Lions Club member, Jim volunteered with the worthwhile club for 35 years. He received many awards and acknowledgements from numerous organizations throughout his life time and will always be known for all the work he did. Jim was a huge supporter of Cops for Cancer, raising thousands of dollars to support the local cause. He had a sense of humour that couldn’t be topped by anyone, sharing his endless jokes with all who would listen and always leaving everyone with a smile on their face. Jim was a hugely likable human being, making not only local friends, but friends from all around the world. The list of hobbies and interests that Jim held is too long to mention, including his endless love and devotion for all types of animals. A huge and endless thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the Cowichan District Hospital and Victoria General Hospital, including the ICU units, as well neighbours, family, friends, vets and veterinary staff for all their care and compassion before, during and after Jim’s passing.

Cremation by request. A celebration of life will be held between 2 and 4 p.m., Saturday, May 25, at H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre, 5285 Polkey Rd., Duncan, B.C., V9L-6W3. Please bring your most cherished memories and share them with Jim’s family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the SPCA Cowichan & District (Duncan) Branch, 7550 Bell McKinnon Rd., Duncan, B.C., V9L-6B1, or to Prevost Veterinary Clinic, 1057Canada Ave., Duncan, B.C., V9L-1V2, or to the charity of your choice.