Kentville, NS
May 14, 1941 - October 6, 2024
With profound sadness and deep appreciation for his life, the family of William Lewis Woodworth announce his passing on October 6, 2024.
"Bill" as he was known to his friends and colleagues, and Dad or "Grampy" as he was known to his family, was the embodiment of steadfastness, honesty and generosity.
Dad was born on May 14, 1941 in Kentville. After graduating from Kings County Academy in Kentville in 1959, and marrying the love of his life, Mary Wade, he attended Acadia University where he received a degree in Biology and then later his teaching certificate. He went on to teach high school for several years until he joined the family business, ultimately becoming vice-president of F.E. Wade Limited, and New Minas Enterprises, as well as engaging in a multitude of other businesses over his 40-year career.
While Dad’s calm demeanor, astute business sense and attention to detail were a big part of his success, it was his ability to treat people with compassion and respect that earned him the admiration of his colleagues and employees over the years.
To us, his family, he was a beacon of strength. As his work life slowed, he stepped even more prominently into the role of "Grampy," and he took this role seriously! Many hours were spent ringside at horse-shows, in the bleachers at hockey games, baby-sitting poolside, and even more were spent with a grand-child on his knee driving the tractor around the homestead on Prospect Avenue. The family "compound" that he and mum created, with all the love, silliness and happiness we shared there, will live on in our memories forever.
A highly skilled outdoorsman, Dad was happiest walking through a pheasant cover with his gun and his dog, or standing knee-deep in a river, throwing out a line. Landscaping and maintaining his property were also great passions for him…dandelions didn’t stand a chance when he was around. He did have a history of getting into some sketchy situations with some poor decision making around property maintenance that occasionally landed him in the ER. His fierce independence sometimes got him into trouble.
The last few years he spent much of his time helping those in need in his neighborhood and his family, while seldomly asking for help himself. He was independent, self-sufficient and just a little bit stubborn, right to the end. He wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Eric Woodworth, and Edith MacAllister; his wife Mary, and his three sisters, Anne, Carol, and Betty.
He is survived by his children Donald (Barbara) of Middleton, Timothy (Jacqueline) of Kentville, Scott of Coldbrook, Patti (Peter) of Lakeville; grandchildren Katelyn (Tim), Brent, Stephen (Amisha), Bradley (Emma), Maggie, Emma (Ty), Samuel (Marissa) and William (Jessica); and his beloved Jack Russell, "Whinnie," with whom he logged many, many miles driving around the Annapolis Valley and beyond.
Donations in memory may be made to the Kings County SPCA, or the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
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