Remembering John Wood -- Emails

The following are thoughts expressed in emails sent to me by friends of John. My hope is for John’s family – Deb, Jason, Alan, Mike and Jenny – to gather strength from these anecdotes and to come to better understand the impact John has had on the lives of so many in the world of canoeing.

Mac Hickox

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How incredibly sad.  John has been such an inspiration to so many of us – to have accomplished what our generation had only dreamed of in Canoeing, to have become a leader in Canadian business and to have stayed active in supporting the sport – he fully deserves our admiration and respect.
John Bales, Chief Executive Officer, Coaching Association of Canada

A very sad day for us all. I put a tribute on my Facebook page. I have re-scheduled the Domestic Committee meeting to Sunday of next weekend to Toronto so I can attend on Saturday. This is a day of quiet reflection for me.
John Edwards, Domestic Program Director CKC

I was John's first coach out of the Riverside school program as a Bantam and remember those years fondly. I can only say I am so sorry for your personal loss and hope the fond memories will soon replace this sadness.
Frank Garner, Chair, Technical Committee – ICF

On behalf of the North Bay Canoe Club I offer John Wood’s family and friends our sincere condolences.  John’s paddling exploits and contributions to the sport inspired a generation.
In keeping with Mac’s kind words and recounting some of the many special times he shared with John, I offer the following:
In 1976, as a 10 yr old kid enjoying the lazy days of cottage life, and after some fixing of the black and white TV’s rabbit ears, I remember watching him paddle his way to that silver medal at the Olympics.  My brother and I started paddling at NBCC almost immediately thereafter.
Three years later, I met John at the Mohawk Canoe Club regatta.  Our club had made the trek south and our founder (the late Terry Evans - ’36 and ’40 Olympic team member) introduced my brother and I to John. He was kind and very gracious. 
On the day of the regatta, John stood by the break wall and watched our valiant effort in Bantam K2.  Back on shore he gave us the thumbs up, helped us with our boat and then he recounted several stories to my brother and I including his familiarity with our Club and how he enjoyed paddling on our very own beautiful Trout Lake.  We were amazed at the familiar landmarks he would describe and how far he would paddle (to Turtle Lake and back – some 30km) and thought he was like Hercules.
Over the years, we would bump into each other and we’d continue to chat –on Center Island at Dominion Day Regatta/W.O.D’s or MCC’s Club Regatta on the storied Credit River. It was always nice to see him and kind of cool that he had a real connection to North Bay.   
Rest in peace John Wood. You rallied a Nation and invigorated our sport.
Geoff LaPlante, Commodore North Bay Canoe Club

I just heard about John – so very sad. I hope his family has lots of support – and you too.
Penny Werthner, PhD, Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary

My prayers are with you and John’s family at this tragic time my sincere sympathy
Doug Jones ‘84/’88 Olympic Coach

Boy what a shocker...This man was bigger than life for me. I can still remember watching him race in 76. He became the reason for what i am doing today.
I can imagine you must be going back in your memory bank thinking about everything you have been through with John. Man, still can't believe it.
A true legend that's for sure. I am deeply sorry for the loss of the man you coached -- Big John!
Mark Granger, National Team Kayak Coach, CKC

John was unbreakable, it seemed. Liz saw him working out at the Fitness Institute regularly as recent as last October -- and he was doing killer work-outs!
Fred Loek, Chief Photographer, The Mississauga News

I just wanted to extend my sympathies to you upon hearing the passing of John.
I only met John a few times down at Missy, but he is a huge part of the canoeing dynasty of Missy and Western Ontario Division, and he was one of those guys I looked up to as a Bantam through to Juvenile whenever I saw him during my days at Missy. I also know of the strong relationship you had with him.
I struggle with hearing that news as everyone always asks, Why? We were just looking at pictures the other day from the Olympians reception with John, Larry and Steve.
Huge smile on John’s face being with the rookies and medalists. I’m really sorry Mac.
 Peter Niedre, Director of Athlete and Coach Development

Thanks for the note Mac.
When I heard the news yesterday I immediately thought of you. The two of you did so much for the sport and our community.
The ‘76 medal allowed many Canadian paddlers to believe they could also achieve that level.
Doug Tutty, Former Head Coach, MCC

Thank you for this.  Just 62.  Shocking news.
 Judy Tutty, former Commodore, WOD

That’s awful.  Can't believe it. He was always keen to go skiing up at Hardwood, but I haven't done that in years with you guys or by myself.  Often thought I should give him a call to go.  Should have.  Crazy. We're all busy but these things shock you into thinking about what the hell you're busy at. Hang tough Mac......I can only imagine how hard this is for you. I knew John only a short time but am so rocked by this all.  Spent the day thinking about the great times out on those Hardwood trails you took us to.
Peter Virtanen, CSDC - Dragonboat Team

Very sad news. Thank you for letting me know.
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your very dear friend.
Sue Mitchell, CSDC  Dragonboat Team

A true hero to me, as was his coach.
Tony Hall, National Team Coach CKC

It is with a heavy heart that I write you to say how sorry I am that you have lost such a dear friend.  In shock, and so sad, thinking of John’s family and those close to him.
I too feel such a sense of loss, I’ll never forget John’s awe-inspiring talent as a paddler and his huge impact on me at 16, his support of his family and friends, and their projects, he was just such a great guy, dad and husband and a role-model for many of us,  it is so hard to accept and understand. Lou and I will see you at the memorial on Saturday.  Debbie and the kids are fortunate to have such loving, caring friends in you and Adrienne.
Karen Lukanovich ’76 Olympic Team

Thanks for the great memories, Mac.
You and John were always caring for the younger paddlers.
I`m looking forward to seeing you next Saturday and remembering John.
I am very emotional after reading your email, will share this and will see you next Saturday.
Kevin Stott, National Team & MCC canoe athlete

Thank you for letting me know about this.
While it is a huge loss for our community, it is so much harder for Debbie and the family.
John really took our sport to another level and set the bar for all of us to strive towards.
Unfortunately I cannot make it next weekend but my thoughts will be with all of you as you celebrate a truly impressive man.
Sue Holloway, ’76 Olympic Team member & ’84 medalist

I am shaken to the very core. Please pass on my deep feelings of remorse to Deb and family.  I am sorry I won't be able to be there in person.
Rick Temporale, MCC teammate

Wow, I'm shocked! I was in the stands as a teenager when John won his silver medal in Montreal. While I didn't know him well, I viewed John as an inspiration who broke the North American medal drought. He was a hero both on and off the water.
Greg Barton, ’88 USA Olympic Double Gold medal

I never met John which is shame for me because he seems like one hell of a guy and who is held in the highest regard by you and all of the Canadian canoe and kayak community.
I understand the deep connection you get when you coach a special athlete. It changes your life and creates a bond beyond sport.
My thoughts are with you at this time. I would like to hear more stories about you and John sometime over a beer. Sorry for your loss -  take care my friend.
Shaun Caven, Head Coach, OKC and USA National Team Coach

I'm not very proficient in prose but would like to say that John's passing has saddened me.
His humble personality is what I remember most. He called me once to ask questions about outrigger. Here was an Olympic medalist asking my opinion!!
To hear the circumstances surrounding John's death surprised me based on my limited contact with John. But perhaps others will seek help earlier based on this information and, once again, John has helped others -- much like he helped our paddling community.
Derek Schrotter, MCC and BCC paddler

I cannot fathom the gravity of your words.
John was the consummate renaissance man. He was like a god among mortals for me.
I am saddened for your loss of a true brother and kindred spirit.
Dr.  Evan Mladenoff, ’76 training partner and close friend

So sorry to hear that, my thoughts go out to his wife and family.
Willie Reichenstein, ’76 Olympics C1 Britain

FB has lit up today with the sad, sad news of John Wood's untimely death.
Just wanted to reach out to you and express my condolences in the loss of your great friend.
So sorry for all involved - praying for all!
Jim & Linda Ross, Washington Canoe Club

What a sad time to be reconnecting with you.
There is no doubt that John will be remembered for many reasons but, for me, it was his kindness to me when I first won races for the Mississauga Canoe Club as a fifteen-year-old at the 1972 Canadian National Championships
Liz McGown, Teammate at MCC

I heard the sad news and The Buday family sends all condolences to the Wood family and I hope you are doing well. I know John is very special to you and your family.
Take care!
Tamas Buday Jr., 3x Olympian, full-time Coach, Pointe Claire

Our hearts go out to you, your family, and all the folks that knew and loved John.
We will try to join you next Saturday for the celebration of John’s life. I look forward to collecting all those hugs!!!
Dan Bolland
(NOTE: I met Dan as I got the news of John’s passing at the airport! Dan kept me sane on the way back from Vancouver – we met on the shuttle bus in Seattle – he lives in Oakville – we had never met before!!)

Mac, that had to be the hardest email you've ever written, or hope to write. Thank you for sharing. I've been in touch with Sue and Pete. Time to draw old friends near.
The celebration of John's life will be just that -- a celebration -- I have no doubt. It is so very important for the family to help with their healing. I know you and your family need that too. That's a wonderful thought you wrote -- to ask God to give John a hug -- it's his time to heal as well. 
As Pete put it, he's been pondering life since you contacted him. I get it. We appreciate the past and old friendships, and strive to appreciate today just as much. I hope you can get some rest.
Nancy Hamilton, CSDC – Dragon boat Team

I hope that you remember me...as an official, not as a young North Bay paddler.
But it’s as a young boy I must write (I too have tears).
Paddling in Canada is very special. To this day taking a canoe out is very special. It was Dominion Day, maybe 1971. I was a Bantam but got to see John Wood paddle. My first impression watching this paddler was amazing. John Wood, John Edwards, Jeremy Abbot, Greg Smith -- these were the Canoe paddlers of my time in the sport.
Paddling helped to set a path in my life. I've participated in many sports. But nothing has ever touched me as does paddling. Yes, I even remember watching this Senior C-4 with the three others with a T blade and you in the back with regular paddle. You were not meant to keep up Mac. You were there to keep them ahead. And that you did.
When I returned to paddling as an official. You paid me great respect. Knowing that I had paddled you knew I understood the sport. I have three CCA medals. Not many, but one is GOLD...North Bay’s first. These medals are still proudly on display in my home. They are the only display of athletic endeavour that I have on display. I am proud to have met John. He inspired me.
David Bevan, North Bay Canoe Club ’70-‘75

Thank you so much for your message.
I cannot begin to imagine the emotions for you right now. I never got to meet John, but I certainly recall you mentioning him fondly several times.
Suicide and mental illness are incredibly difficult things to reconcile and those left behind are always left with so many questions.
My thoughts are with you and John’s family.
Jordan Malloch,  ’00 & ’04 Olympian USA

Sorry to hear about John's passing - 62 is way too young.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of John’s family members. I am thinking of all paddlers on this sad loss to the Canoe/Kayak Community.
Chris Barlow, Head Coach, San Diego Canoe and Kayak Club – US Olympian ‘92

John was the first male canoe athlete to come out and support our quest for recognition. Not only verbally but he put his money where his mouth was.
John made a donation to our fund and challenged everyone else to make one as well. His donation came with strings attached which forced us to really work at the fundraising ourselves.
Due to this hard work we found ourselves in the finish tower along with all of the ICF officials during the World Championships in Seville Spain in 2001. This exposure led to our participation in the 2002 World Championships in Atlanta Georgia USA - taking us to where we are today! Senior Worlds medal events.
His support and encouragement meant so much to all of us. He will be missed.
Heather McNie, Women in Canoe

I know you were close to John and I just wanted to express my condolences to you and his family. 
John was an inspiration to many, including me as a 12-year-old first-year paddler at MCC in 1976 when he won his silver in Montreal. He was also an inspiration to me as an adult, given how he always carried himself. 
I hope the celebration of John's life tomorrow is an opportunity to remember those qualities.
Chris Kautsky, Former MCC paddler and Coach

It was truly a sad day when John died.
Like most of us, I met John at regattas, National and North American and at the WC in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1971. As we meet other paddlers, we and they are in shorts, singlets or sweat suits. We seldom know initially if some have a PHD or are school drop-outs or successful businessmen. Paddling is a great leveller. We take athletes as they are.  As I got to know John better, I concluded that he was one of the best overall human beings I ever knew.
Gayle Schwartz who works for Simon River Sport met him on a few occasions; John did not make himself important, he spoke quietly, was friendly, polite and not intimidating.
Many of you have spoken of his contribution to Paddling, other sports and business and I will not repeat these or similar comment.
When he won the silver medal on 500m in Montreal Olympics, he nosed out Matija Ljubek -- the only member of the Yugoslav team, but of Croatian nationality (same as originally mine). I did some time trials with Ljubek on 1,000m at his request as he had nobody with him to help, and I was impressed. Ljubek went on to win the gold on 1,000m as I felt he would. On 500m, however, I cheered for John. John was one of the four silver medalists of 10 medals won by Canada and the rest were bronze. This was tremendous achievement, considering the status of drugs in Eastern Europe, and I have recommended John recently for the inclusion into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. We should try to repeat this process.
John and I had similar passions for paddling. More than 25 years after the Montreal Olympics, John became involved with Simon River Sports as a significant participant, with the joint objective of helping Canoe Kayak sport in Canada. Further, he donated $50,000 of his family funds to CKC to start the John Wood, interest-free Boat Loan fund for purchase of Canadian (SRS) manufactured products. In 2006 John retired from his direct involvement with SRS and started Bellwether Investment.
John’s death has been a great loss for Canadian sport and business and also a great loss personally for my family. The boat fund under his name and administered by CKC was and will be used to develop and make innovative products in Canada.
Lou Lukanovich, Owner, SRS, Former National Team Coach  

Shocking for many, especially those tight with him like you. Not sure what was more shocking, the sudden death or the knowledge that it was suicide. 
How courageous for the family to decide so quickly to want it to be known that it was suicide. A flood of memories this week and reading people's comments on FB, etc...Hope you are holding up.
Rob Stott, CKC National Development Coach

As you know, John had a special place in my memories and heart. I don’t think I was as close to any athlete during my sports writing years as I was to John. How can I forget that thrilling finish in Montreal! I remember well -- John, Debbie and I had breakfast the morning after.
Mike Toth, The Mississauga News

On behalf of the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation which I have the honor to Chair, our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for the sorrowful passing of great champion and very good friend, John Wood. May John rest in peace!
Luciano Buonfiglio, President, Italian Canoe Kayak Federation