Brian Wood, along with his wife Betty Wood, shows off his Community Impact Award at the President's Banquet for the Ontario Funeral Service Association on September 17, 2026 (Photo provided by Betty Wood)
A former funeral home owner in Owen Sound has been recognized for their community connection.
Brian E. Wood. former owner of Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, was awarded the Community Impact Award from the Ontario Funeral Service Association.
His wife of 55 years, Betty Wood, reached out to Bayshore News to share the special event with the community which the family continues to be such a big part of.
“He’s a very quiet and gentle person,” she smiled, which has not only played a role in their lengthy marriage, but also contributed to his work as a kind, caring person in the funeral industry.
Aside from being a funeral director working with people during difficult times, he has also been a farmer, and a bus driver for the Owen Sound Attack.
Wood was initially nominated by a former co-op student who had worked with him while she was in high school back in 2009 or 2010, Carmen Ward.
Ward, who now works with in Kitchener, was also able to present the organization’s Community Impact Award during the Ontario Funeral Service Association President’s Banquet, which was held on September 17th.
Aside from his recognition for his positive impact on the community, Wood had also received three nominations for the OFSA’s Lifetime Achievement Award – one sent anonymously, one from Jean Fraser, who worked with him at the Currie Funeral Home in Chatsworth, and one sent by Kevin Bumstead, who currently works at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, which is now under different ownership.
“It’s an honour to know,” she shared. “Some of these people are people that worked with us and helped us build that business to what it is, starting from scratch… He had a vision.”
Although they sold the business that still bears her husband’s name, she said he still helps out at local funeral services, and is still a diehard Attack fan.
“I think of the funeral business and not so much a business, as more of a ministry or service,” she said.
Despite having retired, the Woods still feel it’s important to participate in community events.
From left to right: Carmen Ward, Brian Wood, and a member of the Ontario Funeral Service Association, at the OFHA’s President’s Banquet on September 17, 2026. (Photo credit: Betty Wood)