Obituary of Robin John Woods

July 20, 1939 to June 5, 2026

Robin was born in Cereal, Alberta to George and Fern Woods. He passed away peacefully at the Big Country Hospital in Oyen after a brief illness. 

Robin grew up on the family farm at Sibbald and attended school at Vernon and Sibbald, often riding the family horse, Ginger. Later he attended High School in Oyen, where he boarded with family friends. After graduation he worked at the Co-op in Oyen and he often helped unload freight cars after work for extra cash.

A short stint in Rocky Mountain House working at a grocery store taught him that he simply loved the open prairie. He returned to Oyen in 1964, began working for Jerry Ferguson at the MacLeods Store which he purchased in 1971 and so a hardware store legend was made.  It was in this store that his love for people shone through. He took great pride in the store, especially when someone said “if you don’t have it, we don’t need it”. In later years, once he had turned the store over and retired from management, he was often seen visiting with customers, staff and former staff. He recently told Richard that he should have retired at 80, but he enjoyed helping people too much to quit. 

Robin also loved the land, nature and finding all kinds of treasures. He was known for roaming the fields in search of rare rocks and became the community’s go-to person whenever someone lost a precious piece of jewelry. Baseball was another lifelong passion, he played ball when he was younger and the LA Dodgers remained his all time favourite team, even during the 2025 season.

In his fifties, a special woman caught his eye. Pat Lehr would soon be his constant companion, going on tours, attending farm auctions or working in their bountiful garden. Outside of work, it was rare to see them apart, and Pat brought great joy to Robin’s life.

Robin’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among his greatest joys. His family meant the world to him. 

Robin is lovingly remembered by his “better half” Pat Lehr; his children Richard Woods (Wendy Lawrence), Anne Woods (Brad Misener ➕, Jeremiah (Steph) Lehr, Dawn Lehr (Ryan Coutts). His grandchildren: Jordan (Ashley) Woods, Chelsea (Dakota) Ruschkowski, Sarah Code (Ben), Matt Code, Justin Code, Mackenzie (Jesse) Derksen, Ethan, Brody & Levi Lehr.  His great grandchildren: June & Ellis Ruschkowski, Rhett & Daisy Code. He will also be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Big Country Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, as well as the EMS staff, for the care they provided during Robin’s illness and passing. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made  to the Oyen & District Health Care Foundation (Palliative Unit) PO Box 1, Oyen, Alberta,T0J 0J0 or via e-transfer using oyenhealthfoundation@outlook.com or to a charity of your choice.

Following the Funeral Service, family and friends are invited to a luncheon hosted by the family and the Sibbald Community Club.

Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean's Funeral Home, Oyen, Alberta.

A recording of the service is now available