Francis J. Woods

Francis J. Woods

Francis J. (Red) Woods

April 18, 1922 – October 7, 2025

The family of Frank (Red) Woods announces with heartfelt sadness the passing of our grand inspiration over an amazing 103 years. Red passed away peacefully at Extended Care Southwood Lakes in Windsor, Ontario. A veteran of WWII, Red was truly a bright light for anyone he encountered.

He was a beloved husband to Audrey Anne (Maxted) Woods for over 60 years.

A cherished father to his son Dan Woods and his life partner Miriam Bosma, along with his predeceased daughter in-law Megan Elizabeth Philpott Woods.

He will be forever missed by his 3 Grandchildren: Ainsley Elizabeth Woods, Alexis Woods, and Allison Anne Woods, her husband, Dylan Adams and with great fondness by his Great Grandson Master Henry Howard Adams.

“Uncle Red” will long be remembered by his many nieces Patricia Bowen (Dave), Caroline Orban (Laszlo), Sue Marsh-Woods (Michael), Sharon Rusak (Alex), Lisa Blair (Terry), Liz Joyce and nephews Ralph Kerswill, David Woods (Faye), Gary Woods, Johnny Woods and their families.

Frank was predeceased by his father John and mother Daisy along with his siblings, and their spouses. Brothers Clair (Velma), Freddie (Margret), Ross (Dorothy), and Clayton and additionally sisters Jeanette Kerswell (Ross), Betty Joyce (Bud), and Margret Woods.

Close family friends Christopher Philpott, Kathleen Breedyk and Nick Kolasky will remember the many hours spent reminiscing with Red and hearing his wealth of life experiences.

Former Metro Toronto Chairman, Alan Tonks refers to Red Woods as the Prince of Silverthorn Avenue for good reason. Red was a fixture in the area throughout his life. Operating a recycling yard at Rogers Automotive placed him up front as the friendly face of the business. Until his retirement, he worked extensively with automotive students at George Harvey Secondary School to help young people understand mechanical operations and the importance of recycling vehicles and their components. In 1943, at the age of twenty-one, Frank signed up with the Canadian Army. Having experience as a delivery truck driver for W.T. Weston and Son in Toronto, Red was assigned to motor vehicle duties. His basic training at Camp Ipperwash near Sarnia, was followed by courses in evasive driving and maintenance in Simcoe, ON. In 1944, while escorting an officer to London, Pvt Woods was sleeping in a billet home next to a church which took a direct hit from a German bomb. The impact threw him out of bed and damaged his knee. The injury resulted in a reassignment of duties and kept him in England until the end of the war. Red called it the luckiest bomb that ever fell on London.

As per Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place and an internment of his ashes will take place at Prospect Cemetery in Toronto in November. The service will be followed by a memorial at a location to be determined. Notice will be posted in the Toronto Star once details have been arranged