Hartley Woodward

After a long and rich life, with his family by his side, Hartley Albert Woodward passed in Winnipeg on December 19, 2022. He was 97 years of age. Hartley is lovingly remembered by his son Kivil, daughter Katherine (Andy), grandchildren: Sasha, Christopher, Jonathan, Dana and Neal, and sisters: Connie, Louise, and Claudia. He leaves to cherish his memory many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  He was predeceased by his wife Margaret (nee Allan), parents Charles and Edith Woodward, sisters: Elva and infant Nancy, and brothers: Elmer, Kivil, Stanley, William, Edward, and Dale.

Hartley Woodward was born in Allandale, Manitoba on April 4, 1925. He was raised and received his education in Lavenham, Manitoba.

Hartley was a veteran of WWII, having served in the First Canadian Parachute Battalion. He was captured during the Allied Invasion of Normandy and spent 11 months in Germany as a prisoner of war. Hartley received his discharge in 1945 and returned to employment at the Timothy Eaton Co. until 1947 when he purchased a 1/2 section of land in the Rossendale area. In 1949 he left the farm to work as a carpenter and as a salesman in Edmonton, Portage la Prairie, London, Ontario and Winnipeg. He married Margaret Allan in 1953.

In 1963 Hartley and Margaret made the decision to move permanently to the Rossendale area where they operated a mixed grain and cattle farm until their retirement in 1988. They enjoyed success as breeders of Limousin cattle throughout the Prairie Provinces. Hartley was involved in the community in various ways such as coaching baseball, as a 4-H leader, and in the planning and construction of a new community centre.

During his retirement Hartley devoted himself to four key project areas. He indulged his love of woodworking, creating many beautiful objects and bird carvings. He and Margaret established Bittersweet Ski Trails and dedicated many years, along with friends and neighbours, to the development and expansion of the trails.  Hartley and his brother Stanley, with great family support, conceived and launched The Henry Heritage Homestead Park which became, and continues to be, a vibrant and cooperative family endeavour. He enjoyed golf both as a solitary pursuit and amongst family and friends.

Until the end of his life Hartley remained engaged and active. He was loved and cherished by many and will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at McKenzie United Church on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm, led by Wilma Shirriff.  Interment will take place at Rossendale Cemetery at a later date.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Rossendale Cemetery, Box 112 Rossendale, MB R0H 1C0, Bittersweet Cross Country Ski Club, c/o Kim Young Box 295 Austin, MB R0H 0C0 or to a charity of their choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.