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
On behalf of The Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Association Board of Directors and our entire Festival community, I wish to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Winifred Scott Wood. Mrs. Wood was an Honorary Life Member of our Association (as was her husband Robin Wood), recognized in this way for her long-term and significant contribution to our Society. Over many years, Mrs. Wood remained a staunch supporter of Festival, and her presence was deeply appreciated at our Annual General Meetings, concerts, awards ceremonies and parties. Mrs. Wood is fondly remembered by colleagues in our organization for her loyal support, inspired teaching and unwavering encouragement of young musicians.
I recently heard of the passing of Mrs. Wood from my mother who coincidentally was born the same year. I began studying the piano in Chilliwack BC and upon moving to Victoria, was most fortunate to continue my studies under Mrs. Wood. Her love of music and her obvious delight in seeing the musical progress of her students served as a wonderful incentive to continue with my musical pursuits. Also a large part of my enjoyable time at the Victoria School of Music was the regular Music concerts where as students, we were able to perform for enthusiastic audiences and also listen in awe as Robin and Winifred performed for us. Wow! Such a treat! As I recall those pleasant times, I am filled with a warm glow of affection and appreciation. Many thanks Mrs.Wood- you will not be forgotten.
Mrs. Wood was my piano teacher at the Conservatory for the past three years. She poured countless hardworking hours into helping me develop my skill, and learn about Classical music. It always seemed there was no line between her profession and her passion.
As a musician, Mrs. Wood could sightread at any level, play by ear and had perfect pitch, so I was constantly amazed. Her ability to be present and connect with the music and truly understand it as if she had know the composers themselves, always astounded me. Never before had I experienced working with a true master, and I feel extremely fortunate to have spent so much time with her.
I always felt as though Mrs. Wood was enlightened and spent no time in the past or future, for she seemed to deeply understand what was important, and what wasn’t. Though I am decades away from the wisdom to which she had, Mrs. Wood’s musical and life teachings will always be with me. My condolences to her family during this difficult transition.