Gary Cecil Woodard Sr.

Gary Cecil Woodard Sr. of Hillsborough passed away peacefully on November 18th, 2023 at the Moncton Hospital listening to Willie Nelson with his family by his side.  Gary was born in Hillsborough on September 24th, 1947 the son of the late Ray and Ruby (Wilson) Woodard.

 

Gary mainly worked in the Trucking industry, working for R. G. Macleod Enterprises and Maritime-Ontario. He drove trucks, was a mechanic and also dispatched during those times.  Later on he worked for Guarda Security as a security guard.  He loved going for drives in his beloved Albert County and taking in the scenery on the back roads.  He enjoyed the time he spent outside and put a lot of time into his yard taking pride in his property.  He also enjoyed renovating his home and changing things up every now and then.  He was a quiet man who was genuine in his kindness and caring for others.  Whenever you met Gary he gave a smile and " Hello, how are you doing"? He will be remembered as a kind hearted man for all those who knew him.

 

His family meant the world to him and he was a great father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother to his siblings. He felt blessed to have met Diane after his wife passed and she filled a void in his life, they were so happy together for the last 12 years.  Gary was very grateful that his son lived next door and was always there when needed.  He was close to his family and had a twinkle in his eye when his grandchildren were around.  He always doted on them.  He also had a special relationship with his sister-in-law, Sheila who lived next door. He enjoyed all the family get-togethers and they always had a lot of laughs and fun.  

 

'When God created Grandpas, 

He had some things in mind.  

He had to be warm and strong,

And funny, smart and kind.

And brave and understanding too,

 All these things combined 

Of all the Grandpas on God's earth 

I feel so blessed that you were mine.'

 

He will be deeply missed by his special friend, Diane Hanscom; daughter Christine Bannister of Moncton, son, Gary A. Woodard Jr. (Stephanie) of Hillsborough; his treasured grandchildren, Samantha (Nick), Raelina, Angela, Jessica (Rodney), Amber and great-grandchildren, Casey, Emma, Summer, Lexx, Kori, Patrick, Kaitlynn, Carson, Ben, Laura, Keira and Brantley; sisters, Daine Steeves (Robert) of Hillsborough, Darlene Jonah (Stephen) of Saint John and Tammy Fines (Michael) of Halifax, NS; brothers, Dennis Woodard (Barbara) of BC, Terry Woodard of Florida and Sheldon Woodard of Riverview; special sister-in-law, Sheila Leygraff of Hillsborough.  He will also be missed by Diane's children, Mark Hanscom (Nadine) and Tammy Hanscom ( Jason Haase) and by his several nieces, nephews and many friends he made over the years.

 

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Sharon Ann (Smith) Woodard (2008); sisters-in-law, Sharon Woodard and Betty Woodard; brother-in-law, Gerard Leygraff.

 

The funeral Service will take place on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Albert County Funeral Home with Rev. Peggy Reid officiating. A time of visitation will take place an hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00pm. Interment will be in the Grey's Island Cemetery, Hillsborough, NB.  Following the Interment everyone is invited to Gary & Stephanie's home for further sharing of memories and for refreshments - crocs are optional! 

 

The date of the Burial is significant as it would have been Gary and Sharon's 55th Anniversary and we are glad they will be spending that special day together.  They will also be together for Christmas as it was one of his favorite times of the year. 

 

For those who wish, donations to the Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Department or the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated. 

 

Arrangements are in the care of the Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB, E4H-3K2506 734-2780