Woods, Steve

Steve Woods was a remarkable young man with an abundant sense of humour, deep interest in others, and strong powers of observation. He taught us all something about how to live.

Steve was born to an active Nelson family. His mom and dad (Pam and Guy) involved Steve and his older sister, Brynna, in sports from hiking, waterskiing, and competitive swimming to alpine ski racing. Steve embraced them all with his cadre of friends, and showed promise as a ski racer.

Sadly, in 2000, he had a skiing accident that left him quadriplegic. Showing grit and a healthy dose of good attitude Steve adjusted, with the help of his family, to his new reality in a motorized wheelchair. He struck out bravely to live his life to the fullest.

He completed a degree at UBC in Leisure and Sport Management, lived independently in New Westminster, and worked at the Langara YMCA, bringing smiles to everyone who came through the door. He also carried his slalom skills forward to his wheelchair, which he had an uncanny ability to maneuver through narrow spaces and crowds of people at great speed.

Steve continued to love sports: he was a big fan of the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team. Never missing a game at BC Place, he chatted and cheered with his stadium friends, enjoying both the players and the antics of his fellow fans. He also took up geo-caching and enjoyed getting out with parents and friends to find sites as well as developing his own around Nelson.  He also enjoyed cooking, giving his mother lots of ideas and direction on what to make.  Walks with friends and family, dinners out and visiting with family around Vancouver were an important part of his life as well.  Exploring accessible trails whenever we saw them was always a favorite adventure since “accessible” didn’t always turn out to be that accurate.

Steve never complained about his accident, but rather blessed the lives of those lucky enough to know him with his buoyant optimism. Sadly, Steve passed away after an accidental fall in his home-town of Nelson. Steve is deeply missed by his friends and family. We all remember Steve as someone who listened carefully and did not judge. He wanted to know people for who they were – especially if they didn’t take themselves too seriously!

Steve is survived by his parents Pam and Guy Woods, by his sister Brynna Check and her husband Steve Check, and by his much-loved nieces Hannah and Evie, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial will be held when Covid-19 limitations allow.  Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Pulpit Rock Society (Pulpitrock.ca).

“May you now take your wings and fly off to all the adventures you’ve been longing for for many years Steve”