Remembering Mario Gerard Woodford My condolences to all of the Woodford family. So sorry for your loss. Paul Fitzpatrick 2012-07-02 09:51:09 So saddened to hear of Mario's passing.my condolence to you all. Joan Carr 2012-07-02 13:10:23 We were saddened to hear of Mario's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fred & Noell Flynn 2012-07-02 15:45:58 Sorry to hear of Mario's passing.my condolence to all May he RIP bill moore 2012-07-02 18:49:22 Condolences to all the Woodford family. Mario and John were always good buddies. May he rest in peace. Edna,Jordan & Toni-Lynn. Edna Ezekiel 2012-07-02 18:59:11 Condolence to The Woodford Family. I had The Pleasure of Sharing a Good Part of My Youth With Mario. You will always be Thought of with Fond Memories My Friend. May You RIP. a.t.hickey@shaw.ca Andre Hickey 2012-07-02 22:01:28 Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 1 of 8
A message for my childhood friend Mario Gerard Woodford. Good day. As I set and collect my thoughts this morning in my home in Alberta, my childhood friend Mario is being transported to the funeral home for preparations for his final resting place with his Grand-dad. My heart is heavy and filled with sadness that we never got the time to spend more time chatting about life, our experiences and hope for the future. I choose to shift my thoughts to a time when we were young and life was full of fun. The time was 1965 or about and Mario and his family relocated from Labrador City and we became friends. Mario lived with his grandparents over in Broad Cove. For young boys, this was heaven. Marioâ s grandparents had a fair size parcel of land with gardens, fields, barns and of course the ocean was just a skip and a jump from the old homestead. A typical day could look like this: I would show up early and take my place at the table with the other boys. Marioâ s Mom or Marioâ s grandmother would feed us something and we would be out the door. We would play cars and trucks on the cliff just outside the house, and after that we may check out the garden and borrow a few fresh strawberries and carrots. Then we would move down the path to an old 1963 Chevy that Marioâ s Dad had parked. This is where we pretended to take road trips. After running out of gas, we would abandon the car and move on down to the barns; always an adventure around the corner. This continued through-out the summer months. With age, the path would eventually take us to the cove, thatâ s where we spent most of our young summer time. Marioâ s granddad had an old black punt that he allowed us to use. He thought us how to repair it. The rules were simple. We had to stay in Harbour Main and we made great use of this old punt. Again, our imaginations run wild. On a lazy hot day we would rig up a sail and tack around the harbour. Never really in a hurry, we would explore every cove. We knew their names as if we were the ones that named them. Broad Cove was where we spent most of our time. We could row out just off Freshwater Cove and jig 20-30 fair size cod. Marioâ s granddad thought us how to round them and then he would drive us around in his old Datsun and we would sell them for.50 cents each. How the times were simpleâ There are many more stories I could tell, but Iâ ll close here and remember my friend as an intelligent guy with a happy go lucky way and a smile/ 00 grin that could light up the world. Rest in peace my friend, â œbut for the grace of God go Iâ 9D Johnny Ezekiel July 2, 2012 Johnny Ezekiel 2012-07-02 23:01:52 Our thoughts and prayers are with the Woodford family during this difficult time. We pray time help heals the sorrow. Jack and Brenda Morgan 2012-07-03 05:55:15 There isn't a chilhood memory I have that Mario and Corinne are not in. From the night I spent hiding under my dresser, I was probably 5 at the time, afraid to come out because of the scary bush of hair atop of Mario's head to the summers down in Harbour Grace helping to paint his boat for the season. Thinking back now, the best summer memories were with him and I am grateful to have them. A piece of my heart was taken away on Saturday, rest in peace my friend Melinda Wade Melinda Wade 2012-07-03 06:21:55 Pete, Judy & Families, Thinking about you lots, Wishing you easier days ahead. Jennifer Jennifer (Rideout)McDonald 2012-07-03 10:57:31 Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 2 of 8
My heartfelt condolences to the Woodford family on the passing of Mario. Patricia Wall-England 2012-07-03 11:00:35 My condolences were done privately, and I am sorry I can't be in NL for the funeral. I did want to share a story about Mario though, that always makes me smile. I will always remember when Mario took me cod fishing off Penny's Cove. We were catching fish (I had at least 4 or 5) when a nor-east wind started to blow. Mario wanted to come in out of it but I wanted to keep fishing. After a couple of minutes, he turned to me with one of his big smiles and said "Prot, I don't know about you but I'm going in. " He was a man who knew what he wanted and I will miss him. Protase Woodford Prot Woodford 2012-07-03 11:27:18 Wayne and family, So sorry to hear of Mario's passing. My condolences to you and your family. Mary Lou Mary Lou Geehan/White 2012-07-03 11:40:15 I know that words can not express the pain of your loss, but know that many people mourn with you and are thinking about and praying for you all and Mario. I hope you can take some small comfort from shared histories, remembered stories and the small and large glimpses of Mario's influence in the lives of others. Although we are close in age, we never really spent any time together but I will always remember his boldness, his bluntness (he didn't seem to suffer fools gladly), his mischievousness and his smile which could light up a room and make girls (and some women) swoon. My story is from our late teens - for a reason I don't remember - Mario was visiting us in Trenton, Ontario. He wanted to play pool, so I took him to the only pool-hall in the area - a little dive frequented by off-duty military, small time criminals and girls wearing way-too-skimpy clothes (this did not include :) By the third game, guys were lining up to play him. Because he had the face of an angel - and oh, those curls - girls were foolish for his attention. Mario'd give them a wink or a smile but his focus was all on his game. By the time he'd beat 10 or 11 people in a row, the locals were getting restless. When someone 10-years old, a foot-and-a-half-taller and 80 lbs heavier accused Mario of cheating, Mario was right in his face, calling him out. We left shortly after - strictly at my urging, Mario would have stayed! - Mario much richer, had a pocketful of phone numbers and a big smile on his face. He'd given me my first exposure to a pool shark (him), a near miss bar fight, and a pack of skanks in heat. We had a good laugh together that day, and I will remember it and him always. Jan Woodford 2012-07-03 12:55:25 So sorry that I can't make it home to my brother's funeral but I will be there in spirit if not body. I will miss him dearly and wish I could be there with my family to lay him to rest, I have so many memories of Mario and am so sad to hear of his passing. Rest in Peace Brother Christopher Woodford wayne woodford 2012-07-03 15:20:29 Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 3 of 8
I have many great memories of Mario. When I think back on my childhood, Corinne and Mario were always there. I can see his smile which was sometimes more of a grin. I remember him picking Crazy Train on his guitar. He taught us how to steer a car. He showed us how to jump ice pans and the why we shouldn't do it when he fell in. He always made us laugh! But one thing that has always stuck in my mind my entire life was the song "Sister Chistian". No matter whenever or wherever I was, when I heard that song, I thought of Mario. So I guess as long as I keep that song in my mind and in my heart that is where he will stay. You will be dearly missed my friend. Love Tonya Tonya Wade Sheppard 2012-07-03 16:13:19 Woodford Family, sorry to hear of Mario's passing,may you all find comfort in knowing people care. Take Care, Don,Tricia,Wendy Dalton patricia 2012-07-03 16:55:40 Gary, Carlie and Family So sorry to hear of your brothers passing. Thinking of you all at this time. God Bless. Wayne and Paulette Manuel 2012-07-03 17:05:40 To the Woodford family: Sorry for the loss of Mario.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time in your lives.hold onto the memories as I am sure there are numerious.god Bless and take care. Kevin & Catherine Woodford 2012-07-03 17:45:43 So sorry to hear of Mario's Passing May he rest in peace. Paul and Lisa Woodford 2012-07-03 17:52:20 My most sincere condolences to the Woodford family. Words will never take away the pain of your loss but know that many of us share your grief and loved him as if our own family. When I first moved to the c. bay in 79/80 Mario was one of the first of many in the area that I made a connection with, and the friendship never wavered. Probably to some degree we both thought we had the best sarcastic humor. People come and go in and out of your life and Mario was one of the people who no matter how long in between our hanging out we were always like brothers from another mother. The saying goes great minds think alike and fools seldom differ, somewhere in the middle of that we were connected. We both shared a KEEN sense of humor and our times together and shenanigan's pulled left us with split sides from laughing on more occasions than I will ever remember. I also remember on more than one occasion Mario doing ALL of the laughing after a night of poker and him cleaning me out after falling short and getting a loan from me. From poker, to hanging out, to bars, to a day on the bay with friends on his boat, him at the wheel, me at the bar b que, I never spent a day with him that laughter wasn't the order of the day. When I received the call that he had passed I turned on the radio and the third song that played was Me and Hulio down by the schoolyard.[too cool] I was never ever really sure if he liked the nickname that I gave him or not he never complained and when I called him by it, he just gave me that Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 4 of 8
greasy grin. It was like Pat on Saturday night Live, I just never knew. See my friend you are making me laugh again just thinking about you. I will miss your friendship, the stories, and your attitude. Save me a seat at the table and don't clean everyone out before we get there. Love to you, your son, and family. Terry & Sherry Pynn & Family Terry Pynn 2012-07-03 18:12:12 Gary Carol and all the woodford families Jason and Corinne so sorry to hear the passing of Mario may he Rest in Peace. Karen and Derek Hawco 2012-07-03 19:18:26 Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Marios family and friends at this time. May he Rest in Peace. Denise & Jack Hawco 2012-07-03 21:23:35 To the Woodford Family. So sorry for your loss,know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very sad time,may Mario R.I.P.and may happy memories help you through this difficult time. Brenda Dalton Costello 2012-07-03 23:24:38 shirley so sorry to hear about mario. take comfort in knowing that you as his mom was his rock and was always there for him.take care janet (sobeys) 2012-07-04 05:42:33 To the Woodford Families,So sorry to hear of Mario's passing.thinking of you at this sad time.god Bless. Joan & Raymond Joan & Raymond Hawco 2012-07-04 06:36:29 For reason's out of my control I will be unable to attend but may you ''Rest in peace my Brother you will always be missed'' love Christopher Woodford Christopher Woodford 2012-07-04 07:23:58 Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 5 of 8
I have a few memories of Mario, one would be the mop of hair he had when he was younger. Also going to Grandmothers and Grandfathers and seeing all the "boys" they were so young then. Funny enough I just had the pleasure of meeting his son Jason and it was shocking to see how much he reminded me of Mario. Rest in peace Mario. Lisa Whelan(nee Woodford) 2012-07-04 10:03:05 this is for you my mario the first time i laid eyes on you it was an instant like then i got to know you as a bartender wow what a shocker you sure had a way with words and an attidude to match well we were a match god love you and your tormenting but we did it well i so loved your company and your stories while you were on the water you were an amazing man and very smart also we spent alot of time together and my girls loved you also you suffered so much in your life we talked for hours and hours while you were in hospital you had me exaughsted lol but i enjoyed our chats you were so proud of your son and your mom was your saint lol god love her well my friend i will miss you so much even your tormenting but now i know your at peace and theres no more suffering ill never forget you for there was only one mario and ill love you forever rip my very best friend miss you schree breen 2012-07-04 10:13:54 Our condolences to the all the Woodford family on Mario's passing. Ron, Carolyn, Cathy, Jessica Fagan Ron Fagan 2012-07-04 11:22:21 pete,judy and the woodford family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. harvey&marie tibbo 2012-07-04 15:15:21 sorry to hear about mario's passing.must be a blow to all of you. kevin slaney 2012-07-04 16:30:22 To the Woodford Family: We send our sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. We knew Mario and he was always a friendly individual when you met him anywhere. Cherish your memories and he will always be with you. Take care and know that we are all thinking of you at this difficult time. Robert & Lucille Wall & Mary Dalton Robbie & Lucille Wall 2012-07-04 17:22:17 Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 6 of 8
Our condolences to Mario's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Big hug for Jason. Gladys and Brian Crawley 2012-07-04 17:36:15 My thoughts and prayers are with the Woodford family, and Jason and Corinne at this very difficult time. I have such great memories of one of my oldest, dearest friends. Mario had such a wonderful sense of humour, turning any situation into a hilarious one! As a single parent, his words of advice and encouragement were invaluable to me. Kelsey thought the world of him, sharing her surprise bag with him, giving him a sheriff's badge that he would proudly wear on his shirt!! His friendship shall never be forgotten. "Carpe diem" Audrey Hickey Audrey Hickey 2012-07-04 17:40:37 Dear Shirley, Pete and family, I was so sorry to hear about Mario's passing. This must be such a sad time for you. Please know I am thinking of you and remembering your son and brother. Karen Rodden Prince Edward Island Karen Rodden 2012-07-04 17:57:00 Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time..and thinking of you all. Because of work out of town, sorry we didn't get to see you. Eleanor & Kenneth Costello 2012-07-04 19:27:42 Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Woodford family at this sad time. You will forever have all your wonderful memories of Mario to keep you strong! Clarence and Pat.Joy 2012-07-04 19:48:23 Pete, Jude and all the Family, Very sorry to hear of Mario's passing. Hold onto your memories of him. Mike & Liz Strapp 2012-07-05 05:27:26 There is not enough time or words to say what i could say about my younger brother. We were only a year apart and when we were younger i called him little brud. In our younger years we shared everything and went everywhere together. We started fishing with my father and grandfather when we where 6 yrs old and we both fell in love with the water and boats. To this day I would rather be on the water than anywhere else and i know if there are boats in heaven Mario,s at the helm of one right now. Mario was blessed with so many best buddies and friends over the years most of whom were there to send him off today, you know who you are and thank Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 7 of 8
you it meant alot to the family. It was fitting today when we layed him to rest that the boats where fishing for caplin in the harbour as we drove by. Mario will be sadly missed and never forgotten. He battled on accepting the hand he was dealt always looking at what he could do and never giving up. The last time i saw him at the Miller Center, he was looking foward to getting his new leg and walking again which he did.how he stayed so postive is beyond me i could never do what he did in the past year, he was so brave a real warrior. I draw comfort in knowing Mario is in a better place, he will always be in our hearts and minds, see you on the other side. I love you little brud. Arlington Woodford 2012-07-05 17:15:21 To the Woodford Family, I was saddenned to hear of Mario's passing. I didn't know him well but remember him as always smiling. I hope you draw comfort from no doubt many wonderful memories that will help carry you through this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dianne Corbett 2012-07-08 09:01:47 Just heard about Mario's passing. Even though it's been many years since I had seen Mario I remember him and his entire family very well and like everybody else who could forget his wonderful smile. May God Bless you all at this difficult time and hold dear your greatest memories. Frances (Wall) Mosher Truro, Nova Scotia Frances (Wall) Mosher 2012-07-08 10:10:27 Our deepest sympathy to all the family. Rest in peace Mario. Ann and Terry Wade 2012-07-08 17:16:11 Dunphy's Funeral Home Page 8 of 8