Peter died as he would have wished – at home and in his own bed after watching his favourite baseball team lose another game. We wonder if this broke his heart.
He was born in Yarmouth, NS on November 23, 1938, to John and Lilian Mae Woods. The middle child of three boys, he and his elder brother John (Carole) and younger brother James (deceased) (Gladys) kept his mother busy with numerous close calls, near drownings, axe throwing accidents and games of cutting down trees with their siblings at the top. He leaves behind his wife Ursula (nee McIsaac), daughter Dawn (Paul), son Peter, and special daughter Fiona (Rob).
His 37-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces took him many places. He trained as a pilot for five summers, shot research rockets into the northern lights, and represented Canada in the corridors of the Pentagon. He resided in five provinces and two foreign countries, visiting all areas of Canada from the high arctic to every province, territory and major city; commanding units and organizations ranging in size from a few technical experts to several thousand including the largest organization of engineers in Canada; chairing international committees at NATO; managing research, development and production strategies with allied nations; and leading Canada’s logistics support and transportation contribution to the first Gulf War.
His smartest move was to marry the young military nurse he met at the Rockliff mess (as she reminded him daily). Their two children soon followed. In 1983, the family moved to Brussels where they hired a young English au pair named Fiona who soon became more like a family member, returning to Canada with the family where several years later Peter gave her away at her wedding.
In 1984, Peter was promoted to Major General and later took on the role of Associate Assistant Deputy Minister Materiel. In 1992, he was awarded Commander of Military Merit.
He retired in 1993 and started a part time career that quickly became full time with the Public Sector Company as a principal consultant relating to all aspects of public sector contracting to federal, provincial, and municipal governments and private sector organizations. He continued to this work for a further 29 years thanks largely to the warm friendship he developed with Bruce Maynard.
His quiet sense of humor and wisdom touched so many. His love of animals meant there was always fur on his clothes and treats in his pockets. He never was able to go for a walk without one of his cats following.
The family wish to thank all the friends and neighbours we have received support from, and Dr. Chopra who's kind and compassionate care went above and beyond. We are blessed to have you all in our lives.
A Visitation will be held at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Monday, June 20th, 2022 from 9-10am followed by a Service at 10am.
We were blessed to know him. If you wish a donation can be made to the Ottawa Humane Society or the Wild Bird Center, or alternatively give an animal in your life some extra treats today.
Livre de visiteurs
John Woods
Fiona Curley
The world lost a beautiful man, and Heaven has gained the best one. Peter was a rock for me. He taught me how to debate, argue, challenge and win. My life has been blessed to have had the honor to have shared my life with such an amazing man. Peter was the Father I needed and he stepped upto the plate and hit a home run. I love you to the moon and back.
LINDA MAC DONALD
It was always a pleasure to talk to Peter when I called my friend Ursula. Rest in Peace my friend. My sincere condolences to all.
Geneviève Arcand
I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Peter in 2018 while working with him in Halifax. The many discussions we had then were full of wisdom while being joyful. What a great individual he was. He will be missed by many, my sincere condolences to his family and close friends.
J. R. Digger MacDougall
Saddened to learn of Peter's passing. Condolences to family and all whose lives were touched by Peter.
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
We will remember them.
5276 Digger
J. R. Digger MacDougall
President Ottawa Branch RMC Alumni association
Col (Ret'd) James Holsworth
General Peter was such a staunch leader within Canada's military communications and Signals community. Our condolences to the Wood family. VVV Jim and Anne Holsworth
I remember as a young boy thinking my Uncle Peter was the just coolest Uncle. His career in the Canadian Forces took him to adventures all over world and when he'd come to visit us he'd drive up in a Cougar sports coupe circa early 70s. To a boy of 9 years old, that was the best! There are photos of me, my brother and sister jumping all over him on the sofa after dinner. I bet he couldn't wait to escape the next day too ! My sincerest condolences to Ursula, Dawn and Pete Jr. He will be dearly missed by all.