Remembering Bob Wood
By Richard Coffin
Former Member of Parliament, city councillor and radio broadcaster Bob Wood has passed away.
Social media was flooded with tributes Sunday from former colleagues, politicians and dignitaries.
Former Mayor Al McDonald offered his thoughts on social media.
“God speed my friend,” McDonald posted on LinkedIn. “For the past 25 years in public life, I worked with Bob Wood on so many projects large and small. Our thoughts and prayers to all.”
“North Bay lost a real friend and champion,” says Vic Fedeli, Nipissing MPP in a statement. “Woody was so much fun; always quick with a joke or anything to make you chuckle. And he took his political career seriously, listening to, and delivering for his constituents. Our family has lots of great memories of trips, meals, and other wonderful occasions together. We’ll miss you big guy.”
Wood was the riding of Nipissing’s MP from 1988 until 2004, when he retired from politics.In 2021, he was honoured for his instrumental work in keeping 22 Wing in North Bay in 1998, when there were plans in place to move NORAD operations to Manitoba.The city renamed Airport Way to Bob Wood Drive.In recent years, he was a strong advocate for awareness of the effects of Alzheimer’s since his diagnosis in 2018.This past December he was featured in a promotional video for Project Lifesaver.Bob Wood was 85.
