With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Ryan Thomas Wood, a loving husband, proud father, cherished son, loyal brother, and true friend to many. Ryan passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, dance moves, laptop nights and unforgettable memories.
Ryan was the beloved husband of Catherine and the incredibly proud dad to Easton and Oakleigh, who were his greatest joys and the center of his world. Ryan's love for his family was evident in every part of his life—whether it was cheering from the rink side as Easton and Oakleigh pursued their growing passion for hockey, or spending everyday moments that became treasured memories.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Ryan made his mark early in life as a gifted athlete. He excelled in many sports, most notably in basketball, spongee, wrestling, hockey and slo-pitch, where his talent and team spirit stood out. His love for the game eventually brought him to Ontario, where he continued to play slo-pitch and met Catherine, and together, they built a home filled with love and countless memories.
Ryan is survived by his loving mother, Lois Stiff Ongenae and stepfather Marcel, and is predeceased by his father Richard Wood and stepmother Valerie Wood, whom he carried in his heart always. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Mark and Marian Dahmer. He will be deeply missed by his sister Laura (Lloyd) and brothers Jeremy (Sam), Kevin (Paula), Ricky (Penny), as well as his brother-in-law Josh (Krista). Uncle Ryan had a special, unbreakable bond with his many nieces and nephews—Kevin (Aaron), Taylor (Rayley), Corissa (Marty), Kyra (Kevin), Mateus, Kaylee, Tyson, Carter, Danica, Bianca, Bentley, Marshall, Avery, and Mylah—each of whom he loved uniquely and wholeheartedly. Whether it was through laughter, sports, dancing, or just being himself, Ryan made them all feel truly loved and supported. He also has an abundant amount of Uncles, Aunts and cousins on both sides of the family.
Ryan was also surrounded by an incredible circle of friends who became family. He found deep comfort and connection in the home and hearts of Todd and Kristi Jackson, where he was always welcomed and felt most loved. Whenever he returned home to Winnipeg, he made a point of reconnecting with Russ (Sherri), his lifelong friend who was more like family—someone he could always count on for steady guidance, unwavering support, and a love like no other. The bond they shared was truly special, undiminished by time or distance.
Ryan’s presence was magnetic—he brought energy to every room. He lived his life fully and for those who truly knew him, a heart big enough to hold everyone he cared about. Ryan’s passion was wrestling, softball, hockey and most recently golf. In the last couple of years, he worked endlessly, sacrificing time away from his family to build his own hockey development program where he put his heart and soul into developing youth hockey players to become the best each one of them could be, and he truly loved every minute of it!
He will be forever missed, deeply loved, and never forgotten.
A celebration of Ryan’s life will be held in Winnipeg on July 26th and in Barrie at a later date this summer, where family and friends are welcome to gather, share stories, and honour the man he was.
In place of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support a youth hockey development program or a youth softball program!
Arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie.