Keith Wood – champion of water, land and life
Keith and Ina Wood surrounded by supporters
at the Site 41 protest camp, August 6 2009
( See below for August 4 2009 SDS41 news release)
AWARE News Network
We have lost a friend.
The Earth has lost a champion.
And all those who fight to protect water, land and life have lost a passionate advocate with the passing on Saturday of Keith Wood, respected Simcoe County farmer, veteran of the Site 41 victory and a member of the AWARE Simcoe board.
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Keith Edwin Wood
After a courageous battle with cancer, Keith passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2016 in his 89th year. Keith enjoyed an active life of farming and cherished his role as a steward of the environment. He was a proud member of the Ebenezer United Church, Simcoe County Soil and Crop Association and the Simcoe County AWARE group.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Ina (Dickinson) of 63 years, children Cheryl/Tom Creeden, Lorna/ Chris Wright, Bruce/Janine Wood, grandchildren Neal, Devin, Erin, Nicholas, Laura, Owen and Allison. Loving brother to Mary Gates/Lloyd, Lois Amos, Neil/Sandra Wood, sister-in-law Elsie Wood; predeceased by brother Laurence, brothers-in-law Jim Amos & Don Robinson. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews plus community friends.
A celebration of life will be held at Lynn-Stone Funeral Home, Elmvale with visitation Friday Feb 26th 7-9 pm, Saturday Feb 27th 10-11 am with a service at 11 am followed by lunch at the St John’s United Church, Elmvale. If desired, donations to the Ebenezer United Church would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
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News release issued by the Stop Dump Site 41 group on August 4 2009:
Farmer, 82, and wife, 76, to be charged in Site 41 protest
ELMVALE – A retired farm couple has been singled out by police to face charges in relation to a protest at Dump Site 41. Ina Wood, 76, was telephoned at home at 3:45 on Tuesday by a police officer who informed her that she and her husband Keith had to present themselves at the Midland OPP detachment by 5 p.m. where they would be charged with mischief.
“I was a bit shocked,” said Ina, who was baking tarts at the time. “I don’t normally get phone calls like that.”
Ina rushed out of the house to find Keith, who is 82, at the protest site. He has been outspoken in his opposition to Dump Site 41, which is situated on top of water that has been found to be exceptionally pure.
“I like to look after my heritage – which is land and water,” he said. “My grandparents lived here 150 years ago, and I have seven grandchildren.”
A representative of the Stop Dump Site 41 group went to the police station on behalf of the Woods and arranged for a delay so they have time to get legal counsel. They plan to appear Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Wood had the full support of his minister, Rev. David Black of Ebenezer United Church. “Our church has been on record as supporting all manner of legal, peaceful resistance,” Black said as he stood beside the Woods at the protest camp opposite the Dump Site 41 main gate. “When asked to move, members of my congregation have said they will not obstruct actual passage of vehicles.” Wood, who has had bypass surgery and walks with a cane, agreed.
Opposition to Dump Site 41 has united First Nations people, the local agricultural community and Georgian Bay cottagers. A rally July 25 attracted 2,500 people and was addressed by former Toronto mayor David Crombie, Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus and Georgian Baykeeper Mary Muter.
Construction of the dump, which was to open this fall, has been halted since July 6, when the Anishinabe Kweag (women) from Beausoleil First Nation decided to block the gates. Simcoe County has obtained an interim injunction and is seeking $160,000 in damages from Vicki Monague of Beausoleil and dairy farmer Anne Ritchie Nahuis. Argument on a permanent injunction will be heard August 13-14.
Keith Wood and his wife Ina talk to Anishinaabekwe Patricia Watts and Maude Barlow of Council of Canadians. They were part of a happy crowd on Tiny Concession 2 on August 26 2009, the day after Simcoe County Council voted for a moratorium on the dump site. -AWARE Simcoe photo
Keith and Ina Wood
Simcoe County has lost a great warrior and humanitarian who was not afraid to stand up for what is right. You showed great courage and tenacity.
I’ll never forget when you and Ina walked out of the OPP station in Midland with a smile on your face to the applause of the large crowd, even though you had just been charged with mischief.
You were one of a kind Keith..and will be greatly missed by all of us.
I will miss the sparkle in your eyes and your gentle manner.
R.I.P. dear friend.
A few days before Keith’s passing, I spoken with him both on the phone and in his home. His optimism for the future had not wavered since the first day I met him at Site 41 in 2009. He was an elder’s elder, constantly wanting to share his wisdom and concern for our precious water and land. A big thank you Keith for all you stood for and did for our future and the future of our children. Also, a very special thank you to your wonderful wife Ina, always there in support. You will be truly missed.
Keith’s memory will live on in our efforts to save our water for future generations. We should plant a tree in memory of Keith.
Maggie
That’s a great idea Maggie!
We should plant one for Gord Leonard as well at Site 41.
They were both great Water Warriors.
There were many people living south of Lake Simcoe who observed the fight against Dump Site 41 in 2009. “Who is this guy?” I remember asking myself. Well, now we all know who he was and what he and his wife accomplished for citizens living north of the Lake. But their legacy affects those who live south of the Lake just as much. The Woods set the example for all those who might be timid to step up and fight for our waters and for our environment in general. Laurie Wallace, a Lady of the Lake
You’re right Laurie… the Woods set a great example to us all.
This is very moving. Thanks to Keith Wood, and all of you, for your passion and spark. We should all be so blessed as to have the record and achievements of Mr. Wood.
Claire