Tribute Wall
In Memory of
John F. M. Wood
1939 - 2022
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The family of John F. M. Wood uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
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The family of John F. M. Wood uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
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James McKend (Wood) lit a candle
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
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James McKend (Wood) uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
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Dad,
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone. Part of me went with you, wherever you may roam. May you rest in peace and thanks for stepping up to become the only father I've known in my young life all those years ago. Rest in peace my dear father.
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David Kelly posted a condolence
Sunday, January 8, 2023
To John Wood's family:
I had to laugh when I read "I want you to sing this and you can't say no!" I heard his voice clear as day. I was at St. Luke's as a young treble in the Soo when he came and added his enormous talent to our lives there. He was a superb voice coach, and could tune people like some people tune instruments, I've never met the like of him since. I had a tune in my head today and decided to look him up as I cannot remember it for the life of me. He would have known instantly, but I found instead I have a friend to remember. I'll have to ask him later. Take care.
David Kelly
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Ruth Johnson posted a condolence
Thursday, December 22, 2022
To John Wood's family:
I am remembering John today, as I am drinking my coffee from a Christmas cup that he purchased for all of his choir members at Empress United Church in London. He was a lovely person. He aided in one of my bucket list wishes. As a youngest in public school I was told by a music teacher to never sing. I carried it all thru life till I met John. He did not understand why but we did discover that my hearing could hear high notes but not low notes thus the problem. With voice lessons from him I was able to reach a point that I could sing a solo (Psalm refrain) in church. I am forever thankful for being able to do that and get over the idea that I could not sing.
If read please accept my condolences even thro they are late.
Ruth Johnson
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James McKend [Wood] Posted Dec 22, 2022 at 2:20 PM
Many thanks for your post Ruth, I'm glad Dad was able to get you to pursue your dream of singing. I bet the high notes were just lovely for everyone to hear. :-) With a story like your's, it's never too late for a condolence post. Thanks once again!
J
Jack Spence posted a condolence
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Unfortunately I won't be able to attend the interment, but I want to share how positive an impact John had on my life. He was my singing, piano, and theory teacher for close to ten years and I was always happy to arrive for lessons and try to make him laugh (something he did heartily and easily). He was a fine musician and a wonderful person with a twinkle in his eye. I learned much from him both musically and just about being an upstanding human being. I'm so grateful to have been one of the many people whose life he contributed to.
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Chris Willson posted a condolence
Thursday, September 22, 2022
I was so sad to hear of John's passing. John is as much responsible for my musical endeavours as anyone, as his invitation for me to join his St.Thomas Choir of Gentlemen and Boys when I was a lad had an incalculable and profound impact on my belief in my voice and on my ongoing love of making music. Because of my time in his choirs, I was able to successfully audition for both the University of Guelph Choir, and Hart House Chorus at University if Toronto, both wonderful experiences, including a trip to England, Scotland and Wales.
John was also a good friend and a wonderful person to have in one's life. I still have a few of the many voluminous letters which he wrote to me when I was in University and in the early days of my teaching career. They were always a welcome and warming sight to see in the mailbox. His attendance at many birthday parties and special occasions at my parents' home outside St. Thomas, including my 50th Birthday party several years ago, provide me with very lovely memories, as John always made the times light and fun .I only wish I had kept in better contact in recent years. God bless you John. You were both a musical genius and an inspiration to so many friends and choristers. Sleep well. I am sorry this is so late in appearing. I did send in a tribute a month ago, but it seems to have not appeared. My deep condolences to family and friends close to John.
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Chuck Hendricks lit a candle
Thursday, August 25, 2022
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A very sad day to hear of Mr. Wood's passing. He was my music teacher 55 years ago when I was a public school student in Sparta. He was a wonderful person, and taught me how to sing. For a number of reasons, I never followed through, I should have but we stayed in contact for many years. As time went on, our contact faded, but he made such a positive impression on me, it has lasted a lifetime. His Christmas cards were always a great reminder.
RIP fine sir.
Thank you
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Bill Gauthier posted a condolence
Monday, August 22, 2022
It is with great sadness I hear Mr. Wood has passed away.in hearing this news, I find myself having a life rewind
It’s 55 years ago. I was 11 when my friend Laurie told me about this Boys & Mens Choir he belonged to.
He suggested I might want to try out. I took him up on the offer and went on a magical musical ride for the next 5 years.
5 years isn’t a long time but it’s a lifetime when you are being taught by the greatest Musical Mind you have ever known, or will ever know.
Although we haven’t been in touch in years, his gift of music has remained with me
I will be forever grateful to have known him
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Harry Noordam posted a condolence
Sunday, August 21, 2022
It was with a sad heart I read the passing of John from this life to the next. John and I met when he became organist at Fiirst United church here in St.Thomas. I was looking for a piano teacher and was advised to go and see Mr Wood. I was 24 and so was he, we are 2 weeks apart, that makes us 83. We very soon developed a friendship that lasted until his passing. I took Piano, Organ and voice from him. The time came he wanted to start a Men and Boys choir, if I was willing to join. He said: "And you can't say No" That started the joyful and painful practices and concerts of 1969. Off we went on a European tour 22 Boys, 10 Men and 10 parents. The first was Holland, then England, then Ireland, back to England and finally a week at the Royal School of Church Music in Cheltenham. What a trip that was and the experience. Never to be forgotten Life went on I became involved as organist and choir master. But John and I visited back and forth. He even lend us, my wife and I, his Trailer in Bayfield for a long weekend. We had a great friendship, learned much from him, above all the love for music. We are both 83, John went ahead to glory where some day I will meet him again and sing in that great Heavenly choir where we will sing to Christ our Redeemer for all Eternity. Thanks John for being such a good friend. I will miss our chats and laughs.
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James McKend Posted Aug 22, 2022 at 7:59 PM
Wow Harry, what a great story you have there! For Dad to say you cannot say NO is so like him LoL
Dad was very proud of the overseas event with the choir. Dad found me in the Toronto Star's Today's Child after all of that had happened at 10 years old and I've grown up to call him my father ever since, 45 years later. If you're unable to attend the service, please light a candle on 28th September for John and it'll be like you were a part of the service. Thank you for your kind words! - Jamie
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Fern Colson posted a condolence
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Living in distant cities, I didn't get to visit my uncle very much, but throughout my childhood, each visit always involved me learning to play a few more notes of a piece--both hands on his piano. I was probably a teenager before completing the piece. I still play it whenever I'm by a piano. It was "God Save the Queen." John did inspire me at an early age to love and play music. I began guitar lessons at the age of twelve. In my view, his most wonderful legacy has been to inspire hundreds of people to enjoy, practise and perform musically-- always at one's very best was instilled. My favourite associations of John are his musical brilliance, his ready sense of humour, his grateful approach to life, his love of walking, his humility, and his absolute kindness. I will never forget him. He is being kept close to my heart. Love always, John,
Fern Colson
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James R. McKend - Wood Posted Aug 21, 2022 at 10:35 PM
Dad had also influenced me to play the piano, and I was even in the Kiwanis Music Festival but I wasn't any near good as the others. LoL Meeting Dad made me grew fond of hearing the organ and got me involved into listening classical music of all kinds. <3
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Roberta & Dorothy McClelland posted a condolence
Saturday, August 20, 2022
We remember John's laughter, his passion for music, his patient teaching and encouraging, and his warm friendship so well. Mom (Dorothy McClelland) spent several wonderful years in John's choir at St. Michael's Parish in London Ontario. He was a tremendously gifted director and a dear friend to her, and she shared his deep regard for liturgical music. I remember John's laughter echoing through our home during Christmas choir parties, and the instantaneous undivided attention he would give without reserve to anyone who sought him out. He was a humble, generous man with extraordinary talent who filled this world with beautiful music, great kindness, and rich laughter. His legacy will play on in the music he loved, the people who loved him deeply, and the musicians he encouraged, shaped, and entrusted to carry the music on
Roberta & Dorothy McClelland
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James R. McKend - Wood uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
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Dad, thank-you for rescuing me from foster care at the tender age of 10. Although I never took your name, I will forever cherish the memories we've had all throughout the years. Now go and be at peace, playing that majestic organ up there in heaven. All of my love to you until we meet again. ❤
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The family of John F. M. Wood uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
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