Harry Clayton Wood

It is with great sadness that the family of Harry Clayton Wood announces his peaceful passing on August 22, 2023 at the age of 80 years. For the past two years, Harry courageously battled PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), a rare neurological disorder that affects the brain.

Son of the late Gerald and Verna Wood and husband of the love of his life and wife of 58 years Sandra (Tilley) who he first met at Dalhousie University.

In addition to Sandra, he is survived by sons Gerald (Tricia), Stephen (Shauna) and Brent (Tina), and grandchildren Andrew, Jarrett, Dakodah, Allison (Colton), Tyler, Mason, Nicholas, Gillian, Mitchell and Denny and his sister Marguerite, brother-in-law Ray, several of Sandra’s biological brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Emerson (in infancy), sister Shirley, and brother-in-law Alfred.

Harry attended Halifax West High School and Dalhousie University before a brief stint as a salesperson at Citadel Motors leading to his long-term career with Matchless Paints in Moncton, N.B. He travelled throughout the province for years, eventually being promoted to Maritime Sales Manager with Matchless based in Dartmouth, N.S. After 29 years, he retired to spend his time between the family home in Lower Sackville, N.S., their property at Crystal Lake in Naples, FL and travelling abroad with Sandra and many friends.

The early years were busy balancing a career with three young boys who did all the usual sports and activities that kept Mom and Dad on the run. He was a hockey coach and referee, a Scout leader and loved to have the family “tag along” on his work trips in the summer with their trailer. Winters were usually filled with snowmobile excursions from the Ski Doo Camp in Elgin, N.B., unless the time was spent fixing the machines first.

Trailer Clubs were a huge source of entertainment over the years as the Citation Indians, Nova Scotia Bluenosers, and the Twin Seas Caravan Club were all benefactors of Harry and Sandra’s efforts in various executive roles and their participation in almost any event. His booming voice never needed a microphone, and he could always be counted on to help when the need was there. These clubs gave Harry & Sandra the travel bug, which would truly manifest itself in the later years.

Harry was involved with the Masonic Order (Scottish Rite) and eventually became a Shriner, following in his father’s footsteps. He curled for many years and enjoyed attending Briers and competing in the Annual UCT Bonspiel. In what little time he had left over, he loved to hunt and fish throughout the Atlantic provinces.

In retirement, Crystal Lake was the home base in the winter and over the course of 30 years, Harry and Sandra made life-long friends, attended countless cocktail hours, hosted dinners and participated in every crazy event planned at the resort. In the summer, while their official base was in Lower Sackville, they were often on the run to cruise throughout Europe or visit their kids and grandkids, who are spread throughout North America.

Music was always a big part of Harry’s life. Most people didn’t know that he could play the piano as he took up the guitar as a young man. His talent was always appreciated at the regular campfire sing-alongs that would happen while camping and ultimately culminating in his involvement with the band “Group Therapy”, made up of Crystal Lake musicians who loved to entertain residents and anyone who would listen. Practice sessions at the storage shed were a priority as he loved his time with the group.

The family would like to thank Dr. Goth and the staff on 8.4 at the Halifax Infirmary as well as the team from Continuing Care N.S. who provided invaluable support during his time of need.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 10:00AM at the J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. Reception to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cobequid Community Health Centre, the Shriner’s Hospital for Children or a charity of your choosing.