With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Donald Clifford Woods, age 88, at Carman Boyne Lodge, on Feb. 12th, 2026.
Don will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Helen, his wife of 65 years, sons, Brent, Neil (Kathy Lewis), Gary (Kim), and Ian (Sherry), his grandchildren Ashley, Stacey (Eric), Brandon, Taylor, Gordie, Jessica (Rod), Jamie (Mackenzie), great-grandsons Ryker and Wren. He is also remembered by his brother in law Eric Aune, brother and sister in law, John and Diane Aune and by his nieces and nephews.
Don was born Sept. 17th, 1937 and raised in the town of Elm Creek. At the age of 18, Don became a teacher at Maplestead School south of Fannystelle for 2 years, teaching a wide range of grades in one classroom. He then taught in Winnipeg for 1 year, then Sept. 3rd, 1960, he married his life long partner, Helen Aune, and moved back to Elm Creek to raise their 4 sons. Don began teaching at the Elm Creek School from 1960, where he taught until his retirement in 1994. He taught 2 generations of families while in Elm Creek.
During his summer months off from school, he often worked for Manitoba Hydro, alongside Dempsey Carefoot, digging in hydro poles by hand. Later in the fall, he would be helping Dennis Woods, and Sandy Ryrie on their farms.
In the late 70’s, Don was very involved in the planning and building of the new Curling Rink, where he made ice for 35 plus years. He spent many hours preparing and maintaining the ice for club playing along with many yearly bonspiels.
Don loved curling himself and enjoyed coaching many kids and adults. He actually coached many teams that excelled at the provincial level. When his physical ability wouldn’t allow him to continue on ice, he was always encouraging everyone to get out and try curling. “We all have to start somewhere!”
In 2008 , he had the opportunity to have the Men’s China Team come to Elm Creek Curling Rink for some extra game practice where Don was able to help them with some strategies. This was helpful for them in their event at the World Curling Championship held in Grand Forks ND.
Don was a regular volunteer for the Elm Creek Fire Department. He enjoyed working beside others in keeping the town safe and secure.
In the summer months, after his retirement from teaching 37 years, Don could be found at Scotswood Links, either helping pull irrigation hoses off the greens in the wee hours of the morning or spending countless hours golfing with family and friends.
In 2022, Don was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal, one from the Provincial Government and one from the Federal Government, for all his volunteering hours and leadership in the community of Elm Creek.
Don LOVED talking to people and reminiscing about the history of Elm Creek. He enjoyed talking about all of the students he taught over the years and appreciated any updates on their careers and life endeavors.
The entire Woods family would like to thank the exceptional staff at The Carman Boyne Lodge, The Notre Dame Foyer and The Portage General Hospital for all the professional care they provided for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Carman Area Foundation, “RM of Grey Fund”.
Funeral service will be recorded and made available on this page.
Don will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by Helen, his wife of 65 years, sons, Brent, Neil (Kathy Lewis), Gary (Kim), and Ian (Sherry), his grandchildren Ashley, Stacey (Eric), Brandon, Taylor, Gordie, Jessica (Rod), Jamie (Mackenzie), great-grandsons Ryker and Wren. He is also remembered by his brother in law Eric Aune, brother and sister in law, John and Diane Aune and by his nieces and nephews.
Don was born Sept. 17th, 1937 and raised in the town of Elm Creek. At the age of 18, Don became a teacher at Maplestead School south of Fannystelle for 2 years, teaching a wide range of grades in one classroom. He then taught in Winnipeg for 1 year, then Sept. 3rd, 1960, he married his life long partner, Helen Aune, and moved back to Elm Creek to raise their 4 sons. Don began teaching at the Elm Creek School from 1960, where he taught until his retirement in 1994. He taught 2 generations of families while in Elm Creek.
During his summer months off from school, he often worked for Manitoba Hydro, alongside Dempsey Carefoot, digging in hydro poles by hand. Later in the fall, he would be helping Dennis Woods, and Sandy Ryrie on their farms.
In the late 70’s, Don was very involved in the planning and building of the new Curling Rink, where he made ice for 35 plus years. He spent many hours preparing and maintaining the ice for club playing along with many yearly bonspiels.
Don loved curling himself and enjoyed coaching many kids and adults. He actually coached many teams that excelled at the provincial level. When his physical ability wouldn’t allow him to continue on ice, he was always encouraging everyone to get out and try curling. “We all have to start somewhere!”
In 2008 , he had the opportunity to have the Men’s China Team come to Elm Creek Curling Rink for some extra game practice where Don was able to help them with some strategies. This was helpful for them in their event at the World Curling Championship held in Grand Forks ND.
Don was a regular volunteer for the Elm Creek Fire Department. He enjoyed working beside others in keeping the town safe and secure.
In the summer months, after his retirement from teaching 37 years, Don could be found at Scotswood Links, either helping pull irrigation hoses off the greens in the wee hours of the morning or spending countless hours golfing with family and friends.
In 2022, Don was awarded the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal, one from the Provincial Government and one from the Federal Government, for all his volunteering hours and leadership in the community of Elm Creek.
Don LOVED talking to people and reminiscing about the history of Elm Creek. He enjoyed talking about all of the students he taught over the years and appreciated any updates on their careers and life endeavors.
The entire Woods family would like to thank the exceptional staff at The Carman Boyne Lodge, The Notre Dame Foyer and The Portage General Hospital for all the professional care they provided for him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Carman Area Foundation, “RM of Grey Fund”.
Funeral service will be recorded and made available on this page.