Tom Wood was born October 8, 1922 in Yorkton, SK. He was one of seven children and the only son of Alice and William Ernest (Ernie) Wood. He attended school at rural Grunert School and after finishing his education, he farmed with his father during the height of the Great Depression. As a young man, Tom helped out as a crew member with threshing outfits. Tom married Vera Wood (Bailey) from Oungre, SK on July 19, 1945 and together they farmed and raised a family. Tom's father was a founding member of Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. He thought that farmers could have a stronger future if they pulled together. This belief didn't waiver and was passed on to him. Tom was a life-time member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. He felt honoured to be elected as a Delegate by his fellow farmers from 1971-1987. He had a great love of the farm and showed pride in growing a good crop. The farm was truly a mixed family farm with beef cows and Holstein milk cows which provided cream for the family to sell; with pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys and ducks. Tom taught his children responsibility through caring for these farm animals. He loved to visit with friends and neighbours over a cup of coffee and the conversation always got around to farming. He loved to garden and the beautiful yard that now exists is founded in all the work that he started. He was a life-time member of Saskatchewan Co-operative Hail Insurance and served as a Director for 10 years. He also served as a Delegate to the Canadian Co-operative Implements Ltd. and the Yorkton Co-op. He served as well on the Board of the Yorkton Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition Association for 20 years. Over the years, he served his community on the Orkney United Church Board, the Grunert Rural School Board and the Orcadia Community Club. Tom enjoyed music and playing the violin. His children remember many musical evenings spent at home or at neighbours homes playing and singing. When he had time, he was known to be an excellent ball and hockey player and was very much in demand to play. Tom passed away peacefully at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home at age 93 on May 6, 2016 after a lengthy illness. He was predeceased by his first wife Vera in 1995 and by his sisters Phyllis Border, Helen Moss, Molly Norman and Doris Anderson. He is survived by his children: Lois (Calvin) Kirby of Regina; Lynne (Rick) Lee of Calgary; Brian (Laurie) Wood of Nelson, BC; Kathy (Warren) Crossman of Orcadia; Bill (Patsy) Wood of Moose Jaw; Nancy (Bob) Verhelst of Calgary; Scott (Regina) Wood of Saskatoon. Grandchildren: Jennifer Sowa, Michael (Karen), Chris (Wendy), David (Jennifer) Kirby, Cammie (Terry) Mah and Jason Lee, Sarah (Bob) Hrycay, Amy, Hayley Wood, Marsha (Jon) and Jeffrey (Julie) Crossman, Janice & Michelle Wood, Emily and Beth Verhelst, Jeremy and Katrina Wood. Great-grandchildren: Ashley and Jordan Sowa, Kayla, Reece and Janelle Kirby, Elie, Cole and Breya Kirby, Megan Kirby, Tyson Mah, Molly and Stella Hrycay, Ellara & Luella Crossman. He is also survived by his second wife, Irma Wood (Eichorst) and his twin sisters Ivis Young and Iris Markham. Tom loved to talk about what he had learned in the Bible. His quiet and abiding faith sustained him through the hardships of life. The funeral service was held on Friday, May 13, 2016 from Westview United Church in Yorkton. Rev. Deborah Smith officiated. The eulogy was given by Kathy & Warren Crossman and remembrances were given by some of the grandchildren. Organist, Laurene Jemieff led in the hymns 'In the Garden', 'Come In, Come In and Sit Down', 'The Old Rugged Cross' and 'What A Friend We Have in Jesus'. Soloist, Leonard Varga sang 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee'. The interment took place in the Garden of St. John at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with grandchildren Michael, Christopher, David, Jennifer, Marsha and Jeffrey serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Orkney Historical Society c/o 83 4th Ave. N., Yorkton, S3N 1A4.
