C. ALBERT (WOODY) WOODWARD

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C. ALBERT (WOODY) WOODWARD Albert Woodward of Treherne, MB, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012, at the Tiger Hills Health Centre in Treherne, MB at the age of 90 years. Clarence Albert Woodward was born on June 1, 1921 in the Ladysmith district, southwest of Lavenham, MB. His parents were Phillip and Gertrude Woodward (nee Rands). He was named after an older brother, Albert Clarence Woodward (1919 to 1920) who died accidentally. He attended the Ladysmith school. Albert joined the Army in December 1942 and had his initial training at Shilo, and was then assigned to the Lake Superior Regiment. Albert was shipped to England to continue training in 1943. He was part of the allied forces that landed in Normandy, France in June 1944, a few days after D-Day. He saw heavy combat in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. In 1945 he was captured and was a Prisoner of War at Stalog XI b, near the Bergen Belsen Concentration Camp. He returned to Canada in 1946. He married Lillian Jean Jackson of the Matchetville district, north of Treherne. They were married at the Knox United Church in Winnipeg on November 4, 1948. Albert and Lillian lived near Lavenham from 1948 to 1949, and then in Winnipeg from 1949 to 1950, where Albert worked at Brett Young Seeds. In 1950 they moved to Treherne. In 1952 their son Mervin was born. In October 1954, when Lillian was 27 and her son Mervin was two and a half years old, they both contracted polio. Their second son Garth was born in 1968. Albert worked at the Treherne Creamery from 1950 to 1955, and then at Orval Ennis' Massey Harris shop from 1955 to 1976. He then drove the bulk fuel delivery truck for the Treherne Esso Agent, working for Gary Harrington and then Keith Earle, until his retirement in 1986. After his father Phil Woodward retired from farming, Albert took on operating that farm in the 1960s. Albert continued operating this farm until he retired from farming in 2001 at the age of 80. He enjoyed farming, fixing machinery, old tyme dancing, curling and trapping. He was very active in the Treherne branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, serving at various times as Treasurer, Branch President, and Zone Commander. He also regularly attended his Regiment's Reunions in Fort William (later Thunder Bay), ON. He also enjoyed attending the annual Threshermen's Reunion at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum at Austin, MB and seniors dances at the Treherne Friendship Centre and in Portage and other communities. Albert was predeceased by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Vic and Edna Woodward of Elm Creek, MB, sister Florence Harland of Alberta, a brother in infancy, and sister-in-law Nona (Gerald) Woodward. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillian Woodward (nee Jackson), sons Mervin (Ruth) Woodward and Garth Woodward of Winnipeg, brothers Robert (Ede) of Winnipeg, Gerald of Portage la Prairie, Ernest (Myrtle) of Portage la Prairie, Rosetta (Stan) Catte of Sherwood Park, AB, brother-in-law Earl Harland, brother-in-law Kelly (Lorna) Jackson, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be held at the Treherne United Church, Treherne, MB at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2012, with Rev. Quentin Robinson officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held in the lower hall of the church. Everyone is welcome. Interment in Rossendale Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. 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. Online condolences may be made at www.willmorchapel.com Jamieson's Funeral Service of Holland, MB in care of arrangements. (204) 526-2380

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2012