Hugh Woods, or "Woody" as he was better known, left this earth for the big racetrack in the sky on March 1, 2014 at the age of 73 years. He was born in Bowsman, MB on March 24, 1940 to George and Ruth (Sovereen) Woods. Moving to Dauphin at an early age, he went to Sandringham and Mineral Creek School in Ashville. His Dad passed away when he was very young, and a few years later his mom married Ferdie Woods, who became his guide and mentor. During the summers he worked for local farmers, and upon leaving school moved to Winnipeg. From there it was on to Swift Current to work at Hamm Motors. He later came back to Dauphin and began working for Sandercock & Harrigan, BA Oil, but his love was for the horses and he began training and racing harness horses in 1973. He raced in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario. Hugh was proud of many of his horses, but especially "George" who was born and raised on the farm and was voted Manitoba's Top Standardbred Horse of The Year for several years in a row. He raced the last seven summers in Yorkton, SK. On the track he was known for being honest and straightforward, telling you like it was, although he always told everyone Roy Rogers gave him his first horse! He was honoured by the Manitoba Harness Horsemen with an Honourary Life Membership in 2001. Ducks Unlimited recognized him in 2007 for his commitment to conserving natural wetland habitats. In 2012 Hugh raised funds for breast cancer research by designating one of his horses, "Im Phat" as his "cancer" horse. 10% of her winnings were donated, with Yorkton Exhibition track matching the amount. It was one of the proudest moments of his life when he gave them the cheque. Hugh leaves to mourn and remember, his three girls - wife and soulmate of 48 years, Leinita (Riehl); daughters Kara Lee and Hughanne; canine companion and best buddy, Ted; uncle, aunts, many cousins and nephews. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to remember Hugh may honour his memory by making donations to CancerCare Manitoba.
