Richard James Woods

Soften your rush, and let the tender pulse of small wonders fill your gaze.

Passed peacefully into his next adventure on March 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.  Survived by his sisters Patti and Liz (Brad).  Son to Judy.  Uncle to Britani and Tyler.  Proud papa to his four-legged furry friend, Sammy.  Predeceased by his father, Clare, big brother and best friend, John, and his dearly loved grandmother, Mary.

Richard will be profoundly missed by his dearest ‘bestie’ Beth and partner, Austin, as well as his adopted brother, Roger, and close friends Ron, Kim, Kristin, Jenna, and Lisa who stood beside him during his illness and never let him give in or give up.

Richard had an incredible sense of humor and a unique laugh – often mimicked but never duplicated.  Hardworking and determined, he believed in the value of a strong work ethic.  His stubborn obstinance drove him to excel at everything he tried.  His creativity was expressed through photography, metal- and woodworking and he shared his talents with the most unique creations.

His adventurous spirit led him on many travels and escapades, seeing much of North America and included several skydiving jumps.  But he loved nothing more than to hit the open road on his motorcycle, Rocinante, with his ‘gang’ Roger and the Ninja Twins, touring the twisting back roads of Ontario.  He was a student of history and often narrated his rides with background on the sites they would visit.

Most recently, Richard’s focus shifted from work to valuing the fundamental tenets in life, appreciating the riches and rewards he found in nature, cultivating friendships, and living each moment to its fullest.  He set his compass to joy and he found it.

“If I could read your mind love
What a tale your thoughts could tell
Just like a paperback novel
The kind the drugstore sells
When you reach the part where the heartaches
Come the hero would be me

Heroes often fail
And you won't read that book again
Because the ending's just too hard to take”

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year.  Richard’s urn will be placed next to his brother at St. Andrew’s – Saint James’ Cemetery in Orillia, Ontario.  In his honor, donations to Royal Victoria Hospital Cancer Center and Hospice Simcoe would be appreciated.

Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.peacefultransition.ca.