Alan Wood
ALAN ROBERT WOOD
It is with profound sadness, that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle Alan Robert Wood on February 9, 2025.
Alan will be forever missed and his memory cherished by his beloved wife Tracy and their fur baby Bella; his children, Karen (Jim), Robert (Naomi), and Ali (Tanner); grandchildren, Karissa, Renée (Evan), and Scott; Michael (Penny), Nichole, Taylor-Marie (Cameron), and their family; Great Grandchildren, Maya, Hailey, Hunter, Dylan, Michaela, and Parker; sister Heather (Eddy), brother David (Diane) and their families.
Alan was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Ola; brother Donald; and his little companion Copper.
Alan was one of a kind, with a big personality that lit up the room. His charm and charisma made everyone feel special and important. He was immensely proud of his family and without question, his love and admiration for them was what brought him the greatest joy.
His travels to Punta Cana with the love of his life Tracy and friends Suzanne and Andrew was one of the things Alan cherished most, as was the time he spent golfing with his grandsons and teaching his grandchildren how to make his favourite childhood dishes from his proud Italian heritage. Pasta fazool, spareribs and cabbage, and the “secret family recipe” for the world’s greatest tomato sauce, were often on the menu.
A proud, devoted, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he leaves an enduring legacy of unwavering support and love. He celebrated his family's accomplishments with immense joy and pride. Family gatherings most often involved singing, playing crib, watching the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Blue Jays, or the Green Bay Packers.
Alan loved quoting from his favourite movies and had a one-liner for any situation. He never missed an opportunity, as our very own Al Pacino to tell us “I’ve been around you know..."
Alan instilled the value of hard work in his family and taught us to "find what you are good at and then find a way to get paid to do it." He also shared the importance of following your passion with his loved ones. Carpe Diem was a mantra often heard when seeking his advice and guidance about life's decisions. He often quoted from his favourite book The Alchemist, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
These values are evidenced in his own life by his fearless pursuit of self-actualization through his years with Canada Post and his many entrepreneurial pursuits from hotel ownership to his Second Cup franchise at the corner of Graham and Edmonton. Alan was in his element there and could work the room, like no other.
He made a coffee shop into a destination and his mentorship, guidance, and support impacted not only his staff, but the customers and the community as well.
Alan took immense pride in his roots, never losing sight of the humble beginnings that shaped him into the extraordinary person he became. His stories of our family’s history were not simply stories; they were windows into everything that came to define him.
Alan would be the first to admit he was not perfect and that he made many mistakes, but he never gave up on the people he loved, he never stopped showing up, and he never stopped trying.
As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we carry forward his love, wisdom, and spirit in our hearts. While his physical presence may be absent, his legacy will forever illuminate our paths, guiding us through life’s challenges and joys.
Alan wrote, “Life always finds a way of testing people. Testing their will, pride and conscience, their thoughts, their feelings and their patience. All these tests add up to one thing; life is testing your metal.” Alan, you were a true Alchemist, turning all this metal into gold.
In keeping with Alan's wishes, cremation has taken place, and no formal service will be held, but rather a family gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate his life and his legacy.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."
"Hoo-ah!"
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Marnie Morris
March 9, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Ali, sending love to you and your family.
❤️
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Your Biggest Fan
February 22, 2025 at 11:50 PM
My Grandfather Alan Robert Wood.
The man that taught me everything I know, the man that left a lasting impression on each and every person he has known. He will live on through us all with an abundance of joy, love and shared knowledge.
Youre presence may no longer be in the physical form, however I know you're right here with us all.
What I wouldn't do for the opportunity to take 5 more bucks in a game of crib from my mentor, idol, teacher, best friend & Grandfather.
Eternal Love
Luckiest Grandson Ever
Scott ALAN Wood
Sherri and Kaol
February 21, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Karen, Robbie Ali and families.
so sorry for the loss of your dear Dad.
Alan was a great brother in law to us and we have very many fond memories of him.
May he rest in peace.
Keep the good memories close.
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Maxine
February 17, 2025 at 2:57 PM
To Robbie, Karen, Ali and your families;
Heather and David and families. My sincere heartfelt condolences in the loss of Alan. Many good memories of all of you.
Alan......wherever you are journeyig please go in absolute peace.
Love, Maxine
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Maxine
February 17, 2025 at 2:35 PM
My deepest
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Your loving sister Heather xxoo
February 17, 2025 at 1:10 PM
My deepest sympathy and love to Alan's wife Tracy, his daughters Karen and Ali and son Rob and their families.
The world lost one of its brightest lights but I lost my " little brother" too soon.My heart aches from missing you and hearing your voice, Alan 💔
Thank you for always telling me " I love you" after sending a text to me. 🩷
I miss you more than I can say, I talk to you every day, knowing that you hear me
I love you so much Alan💕, Rest in Peace my precious brother , knowing that your impact on this world will never be forgotten
Lindsay
February 16, 2025 at 8:43 AM
I'm not sure when, but at some point working at the cafe stopped feeling like a job, and started to feel something more like home. And the people - less like co-workers and more like family. And eventually we all realized that Alan's high expectation for the makings of a perfect cappuccino, was really his way of saying that we could all do great things in this life and that we should "aspire higher". Even in death Alan has the gift of motivation, because as I am remembering him, I feel inspired to do "that thing" I always hoped to do, but never made the time for.
I don't know how he did it, but he created an environment that was so magical that it should have been a scripted tv show where everybody knows your name.
He was special, and generous, and he cared. I'm glad I knew him.
Carmen and Rick Dondo
February 15, 2025 at 4:53 PM
We offer our sincerest condolences to my Aunt Helen, to my cousins, and to their families. We know he was part of your lives.
I so wish I had known him better.
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Suzanne and Andrew
February 15, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Alan lived with full force: passionate, generous, thoughtful, caring. From our first meeting on island time, we shared quality, and enjoyed a friendship that easily grew to more than vacation fellowship. With his big heart, he shared with us all that he cherished: thoughts, strories, quotes, laughs, advice, and with an intensity all his own. We are all the better for his enriching our lives. Thank you, dear Alan. We miss you buddy ❤️
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Cousins Brenda & Brian Dondo
February 15, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Karen, Rob, Ali and the family of Uncle Alan,
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Alan's passing. We may of only met him a couple times but our hearts are with you and send you much love.
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Lisa
February 15, 2025 at 9:10 AM
I'm so sorry to hear of Alan's passing! He was an incredible man to work for and my time at second cup was one of so much growth - I will never forget him and the positve impact he had on my life.
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Karissa Wood
February 14, 2025 at 9:57 PM
“The day we stop lookin’, Charlie, is the day we die”
His larger than life presence will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
Every Sunday at Second Cup he would play “easy like a Sunday morning” on the stereo. Ironically, Feb 9th was the hardest Sunday morning any of us could have ever imagined.
He was the man of this family and our protector. He would always say, “I am the master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul”, and now your soul is free, and I pray that you will watch over us.
I love you, Gramps!
Hoo-ah!❤️
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Christine Deckert
February 14, 2025 at 6:28 PM
I will never forget meeting your dad at Pancake House on Fathers Day. It was several years ago but I recall fondly how much your dad and you were alike. He had a strong presence that I will never forget and was so kind and welcoming. He made me laugh in the first 10 seconds by cracking a joke which told me what a funny and nice man he was. You will always hold a part of him in you Karen, passionate about your beliefs, kind and welcoming but quick to tell a joke and make others laugh. I am thinking about you and your family.
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Karen Wood
February 14, 2025 at 5:26 PM
I love you Dad and miss hearing your voice. You will always be with me and I will never forget all the important things you taught me. My heart is broken because you are no longer here but there will never be a day that I don't think about you and I am so thankful that you were my Dad. I love you so much and I know you are watching over us. Rest easy Dad, You were my hero and I my biggest fan, there are no words to expression how much you will be missed. Love you forever and always. Karen xoxoxo
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