Timothy Neal Woodward (7 February 1971 – 20 October 2024) passed away peacefully at home following a courageous battle with cancer.
Raised under the vast skies of Winnipeg, everything about Tim embodied his adventurous spirit and prairie-boy roots. His iconic look –a leather jacket with a worn denim vest thrown over the top- along with his work ethic and resilience defined who he was. Summers for the Woodward brothers (Tim & Wayne) were spent at Grandpa Woodward’s cabin on Madge Lake. A quaint lakeside abode crammed with family, fighting to use the bathroom while simultaneously enjoying the spoils of the lake; golfing, drinking, swimming, bonfires and Kanasta. Even in his youth, Tim’s unwavering sense of duty and quiet pride found expression in his dedication to the cabin’s upkeep. Whether mending, painting, or hauling wood, he approached every task with the same commitment that defined his character.
The same vast skies under which he was raised, and spent his summers, would later call to him professionally. Enamored by aviation, Tim enlisted in the RCAF in 1989 as an Aviation Technician. His skill and dedication earned him a spot on the Snowbird Air Demonstration Team, where he served for two years as a Safety Systems Specialist, proudly representing the 25th Anniversary Team. Captivated by the thrill of flight, Tim knew he was destined to become a pilot.
It was during his initial pilot training at the RCAF flight school in Southport, MB, that Tim locked eyes with his future wife, Shannon, while shotgunning a Guinness—upside down, hanging from a helicopter skid in the pilot’s Mess. It was, without a doubt, love at first sight for both of them. Just as they worked side by side to complete flight training, they also began crafting a future built on mutual trust, support, and a shared vision. After their marriage in 2003, they were ‘winged’ together in 2004, and soon after, were posted together to 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton to fly Griffons. Tim’s impressive military career took him across this great country, allowing him to fulfil his dreams of flying nearly every day. Culminating in his promotion to Major and assumption of Officer Commanding (OC) Operational Training Flight in Gagetown, NB, Tim always balanced his commitment to service with his love of family beautifully. Tim and Shannon perfected the art of military moves. From Portage la Prairie to Edmonton, Fredericton to Winnipeg, Tim could orchestrate a house bugout and family travel plan with expertise. With Tim’s 2008 deployment to Afghanistan, followed by yet another move and a growing crew of little ones, it’s safe to say Tim knew that flexibility was not only the key to airpower, but also a happy life AND happy wife. He did everything with the grace of a seasoned father and efficiency of a honed war hero.
Tim was enterprising, ambitious, and an eternal optimist. The summers of his youth, and his strong relationship with his extended family shaped Tim’s appreciation for togetherness and adventure. These traits prepared him for his role as a devoted father, which was ultimately his favorite job. Whether it was time with Aline on the golf course perfecting her back swing, boys trips to hockey tournaments with Liam, or halibut fishing with Sidney, Tim’s children were his world. After 29 years of service to Canada, Tim bade farewell to the Air Force, returned his military kit and pick up his golf clubs.
True to form, Tim wasn’t idle for long after retirement. During the infamous Trailer Era, Tim, Shannon, their three young kids, and Poppy, lived in their travel trailer for nearly a year while building their dream home in North Saanich. During this time, the family forged memories,
laughter, friendships, and a uniquely blended family smell that Tim jokingly said permeated the walls. With the same dedication and focus he brought to everything, Tim spent evenings writing papers and studying as he earned his Masters Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management. The family home in North Saanich became Tim’s sanctuary. Tim and his family gathered there to enjoy his incredible cooking, or simply spend time watching a game on TV. This same home that Tim built with love, also became the backdrop of his battle with cancer, and it was here, surrounded by loved ones, that he passed away peacefully.
Even during dark times in other people’s lives, Tim was able to see the forest through the trees. An avid golfer, he spent many an afternoon on the fairways of Victoria’s finest Golf Courses. Including the one within which he will now rest: Gorge Vale Golf Course. Tim is survived by his wife and life co-pilot Shannon, and three beautiful children, Aline, Liam and Sidney. A family service will occur on 7 February 2025 at God’s Acre Veteran Cemetery in Victoria, BC.
A Celebration of Life will be planned for Tim in the spring of 2025, with details forthcoming on social media.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
22 Responses
Shannon, I regret not making it down to YYJ to drop in and see Tim before he passed. Lesson learned. Make the time. He was a fantastic guy to work with in YPG. The “mustangs” make some of the best leaders and he was one of them. Sorry to hear of his passing too soon. His final resting place looks to be perfect.
Sad news to everyone, Shannon and the children, please accept my condolences. My little time and interaction with Tim at 408 was always pleasant. One memory I always bring up, we were flying one night and had a bird strike, landed in a farmer’s field. I recall Tim calling back to the unit, then got the go ahead, as he was a Flight Safety. Rest Easy Tim.