Bob Wood
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the peaceful passing of Bob at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the age of 85, with his loving family by his side.
Bob was the loving husband to Carol (nee Purdon). Predeceased by Michele Wood. Proud father to Cory Wood (Joe Masterson), Sue-Lane Wood, Bobbi-Jo Tilton (Phil), Ambre Anderson, Ryan Suffron (Gwendalyn) and his stepchildren Erin Plourde (Micah) and Sean Villeneuve.
Grandpa Bob-O to Matthew & Natalie Muszak, Eva & Reinier Savelsberg, Kaitlyn & Jillian Tilton, Lexie & Berkley Suffron, Merrick & Brynley Plourde. Bob is also survived by his brother Richard Wood (Pat), his nephew Ryan Wood (Joanne) and their children Nolan and Olivia. Brother-in-law to Mike Purdon, Nancy Francis (Mark) and Mona Shulz (Marv).
After serving a 5-year term with the Royal Canadian Air Force, Bob transitioned into Radio Broadcasting. He started his radio career in Sherbrooke, Quebec and eventually made his way to North Bay where he became a household name within the community and Northern Ontario.
Bob loved North Bay and spent most of his life trying to make it a better place. He served as Deputy Mayor on City Council from 1975-1979. Years later, representing the Liberal Party of Canada, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Nipissing Riding. Bob spent 16 years as MP and was honoured to serve the constituents of Nipissing.
While most people knew him as a radio personality and/or politician, others knew Bob for his acts of generosity, as giving back has been his way of life. Bob's "support local" mindset stretched far. For years, he took on the role of "secret Santa" and would bless families with Christmas meals and gifts, unaware that it was from Bob.
He would often donate pre-paid gas cards to local families that needed to travel out of town for medical appointments or simply he would discreetly take care of a person's meal at the restaurant. He volunteered for years for Meals on Wheels and donated to several local charities with a "What can I do?" attitude. Always a proud Canadian, Bob liked to carry new Canadian Flags in his car and whenever he would see a tired looking flag, he would replace it with a new one.
As per his wishes, there will be no visitation or service at this time. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to express gratitude to Tom Arens for his support during Bob's recent hospital stay. Thank you to the staff of the North Bay Regional Health Centre and the Nipissing Serenity Hospice for their care and support.
Donations in Bob's memory can be made to the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation (Mental Health), The Alzheimer Society of North Bay & District or to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice.
Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
