1924 – 2012
It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Winifred Jean Scott Wood on May 16th, 2012. Winifred was born in Winnipeg on May 18th, 1924. She won a scholarship to study piano at the Royal Academy of Music, England and met her future husband, Robin Wood on the boat going over to London. Winifred was a talented pianist and dedicated teacher. ln 1965, Robin and Winifred returned to Canada to help build the Victoria School of Music. By 1968, it became the renowned Victoria Conservatory of Music. Winifred was made an Honorary Citizen of the City of Victoria and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the BC Lieutenant Governor in 2004. The Robin and Winifred Wood Recital Hall is dedicated in their honor, as a tribute to their outstanding musical contribution to the community of Victoria. Winifred is survived by Ben, Laura/Kevin and grandson, Brian.
ln lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
13 Responses
I feel privileged to have known Winifred Wood. She touched many lives with her musicianship, her kindness and her quiet humour. Laura and Kevin, my thoughts are very much with you both.
Dear Laura and Kevin – I know how much you loved Winifred, and she often said how much she treasured having the two of you so close to her. I am sure you are a comfort to one another in your sadness, and I offer you both my most sincere condolences.
One of the reasons I adored Winifred was the fact that she was one of the few people shorter than me!! Though I didn’t know her well, I always felt honoured to be in her presence. She always had a kindly way about her and never a bad word was spoken. My one regret is that I’ve never heard her perform – that is something I’d looked forward to for a long time, but is now not to be. I am much poorer for not having had that opportunity. My condolences to Ben and Laura and hoping there will be an opportunity to pay my respects.
Dearest Laura and Ben, i saw your mum’s obit in the T/C and wanted to acknowledge her life.I am getting used to being an orphan myself as dad died in March ,2011 and mum , January of 2012. It doesn’t seem to matter how old i am and that it is the natural course all of us follow, i remain an orphan and i think of and miss them every day.We lived across the road from you for many years and i have vivid memories of your parents coat tails flying as they dashed in and out of your house at all times of the day and night ! And whenever the front door opened , classical music poured out being played by one or other of your folks.I actually fell on the cement path at the side of your house as i tried unsuccessfully to negotiate the lip on my skateboard, requiring a splint for my efforts ! My dad also told me a story about your dad using the electric mower on the front lawn and as he watched from our window , the mower went over the cord and that was it for the lawn. I suspect the composition in his head continued though ! I also had the privilege of looking after your dad when he was at Hospice. I was one of his nurses and although i saw you Laura and we had a hug, i missed you Ben. And so to the musical icon your mum was, i raise my glass and salute her on behalf of all the Nation siblings Peter , myself Thea ( formerly Deborah ), Michael and Sarah. May you find peace and remember her with love.Best wishes to you both
Dear Laura and Kevin,
Please know I’m thinking of you at this time in the loss of your mother. She was one of those people it seemed would be able to go on forever with her energy and spirit and love of her family and students. With your Dad gone too, it is surely the end of an era at the Conservatory. I was so honoured to work with them both. They’ve left such a magnificent legacy in the Conservatory that they built up from the very beginning and loved so much.
Please let me know if there will be a public service.
With love and fond memories,
Arlene
Though I only knew Mrs Wood for a short time, she was a bright light in my world. I loved seeing her on the weekends when she would pop by the office for a chat and a smile. What a warm, talented, selfless, wonderful woman who will be missed by all.
We will miss our wonderful teacher, colleague and friend. Her dedication to the art of piano teaching will live on through thousands of grateful teachers. May you find comfort in knowing that her kind heart and wonderful sense of humour will never be forgotten.
Winnifred was an inspiring teacher and an outstanding role model to her many students. She was treasured by this community of Victoria for the way she enriched the quality of life of so many young musicians.
For those of us who were fortunate enough to have had Mrs. Wood in our lives as a teacher and friend, this is a terrible blow. Winifred was a renowned musician throughout her life, highly acclaimed and much sought after as a performer and teacher. Every day for nearly forty-seven years she gave of herself to the students who flocked to the Conservatory to study with her. Winifred led by example,knowing that there was much more to a life in music than just the music. We will never be able to replace her but will always remember what she taught us. My deepest condolences to Ben and Laura.
Hello, I would like to tell you how sorry I am for you and the loss of Mrs Wood, she was my teacher in pedigogy when I was in the Camosun program offered through the concervatory. God Bless, sincerely , Laura Marlene Cave