Maurice Walter Woodington

Maurice passed peacefully, with dignity at Victoria General Hospital at the age of 91 years, taken too soon, on Friday November 7th 2014 at 11:50 AM. He was born January 27, 1923 at Ealing, London England to parents William Charles Woodington and Edith Emily (Bosley).

Maurice joined the British Merchant Navy April 4, 1940 when 17 and served on several vessels, notably the SS Dover Hill, running Arctic Convoys from Iceland to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk in 1940 to 44. He survived many incidents including the ship’s stranding incident, Convoy JW 53, bombings, starvation and prison hospital. He was discharged July 18, 1944 .

He met then married Sylvia Joyce on March 14, 1953 at Birmingham, England. They raised their family in England.

The family moved to Canada and Victoria, B. C. in 1975. Maurice moved 3 months ahead to find work ranging from technician to servicing remote island lighthouses. He started the family ran Woody’s Bakery, 2405 Douglas St. in the late 70’s and other enterprises until retiring.

Predeceased by his wife Sylvia Joyce in 2004 he leaves his sisters Muriel Clark, Duncan, B. C. and Edna Wilson, Gosport, England. His home he loved for 8 years was at the Jesken Aerie on Goldstream Avenue.

Maurice leaves his beloved children: Paul Maurice Woodington (June); Martin Philip Woodington (Laurie); Joy Sylvia Woodington; Gillian Marie Louise McFetridge (Dave); Neil Thomas Woodington and Michael John Woodington (Rosemarie) and many loved grandchildren (23) and great-grandchildren (29 +3 on the way).

A lover of simple pleasures, fishing with family & friends (Peter especially), pinochle, bowling, the original Nintendo games, bocce ball, golf, football, tennis and family gatherings. A wry wit and humour to always raise a smile or give a laugh, a soul fondly remembered who will be sadly missed by friends & family alike. An undeniable courage and love of life and living.

Of the Mormon faith Maurice & Sylvia were baptized September 4, 1966 and were sealed at the London temple October 27, 1967 . He attained the status of High Priest August 6, 1989

The Funeral will take place at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 701 Mann Ave at Wilkinson Rd, Victoria, BC at 1:00 PM on Saturday November 15th in the main chapel.

Interment will take place at Hatley Memorial Gardens, Christus, 2050 Sooke Rd, Colwood, BC at 2:30 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place back at the church on Mann at 3:00 pm where snacks and refreshments will be served. A tribute to Maurice and his life to share.

Thank all of you kind caring people at Jesken Aerie, the Priory, WCCMT, Minds in Motion and others who assisted Maurice in so many ways, you did so much more than your Job, we really appreciate you. Thank you to VGH Staff in Emergency and Acute Care 6; Doctors Cook and Fairhurst for your kind caring, doing everything possible to help, you respected his wishes.

A special thank you to all of you so helpful for the family and the Last Post!

In lieu of flowers we request donations in memory of Maurice be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada and please support the Last Post fund.

Condolences through carefuneral.com.