It is with heavy hearts we announce that Bradley Woods, age 47 years, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Brad was born December 7, 1977, in Thunder Bay. A graduate of Hammarskjold High School and Confederation College, Brad pursued a career in heavy equipment mechanics, working in the hydraulic component industry. He worked for Hy-Power, Midwest Hydraulics then onto Toromont Cat until his forced retirement. His colleagues and friends knew him as a quiet, resourceful and generous man. Brad was always willing to teach or lend a hand when needed, he would often receive calls from guys he knew to help troubleshoot mechanical issues they were having.
Brad’s passions were clear—fishing, hunting, and spending time with those he loved. He and Kirsi were inseparable for over 20 years, the best of friends sharing the same interests. Together they built a life of country living that was so full of love, laughter and a lot of joking around among many other great memories. Brad found joy in teaching his children, Parker and Aila, the ways of the outdoors. There was always a season for
outdoor adventures. He and Kirsi loved family trips to camp, including Wilson Island in Rossport and the Krupp family camp on Shebandowan, where his love for nature and gatherings around the bonfire was ever-present. He cherished any opportunity to head out to the lake, Fridays he and the kids would have the boat and truck packed up eagerly waiting for Kirsi to arrive so they could head for camp. Country music or Hair Nation would play on the radio with Brad singing along to his favourites, he had a real love for music.
He was a devoted and proud father. From the start Parker was his dad’s shadow, he wanted to be wherever Brad was. The two would sit and just talk about life. Brad telling him stories on the past and present, advice on how to do different things and why something works the way it does, Parker listened attentively and loved every minute. As much as he loved teaching the kids about fishing or hunting, he was never a stranger to playing with barbies with Aila or cheering her on in her gymnastics and dancing, proving endless love for his children. He was a beloved husband, father, son, nephew and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of love for the outdoors and a deep commitment to his family.
Brad is survived by the love of his life, Kirsi Kuokkanen and their beloved children, Parker and Aila. He is also survived by his parents, Arnold and Loretta Woods; parents in-law, Esko and Terri Kuokkanen; sister in-law, Kaija Kuokkanen; brother in-law Jari Kuokkanen (Shannon Schiffer, Simo and Seija); aunts, Janet Delin and Violet McWhirter and numerous cousins and relatives from the McWhirter, Delin, Kuokkanen, Lotas, Whitney, Maki and Johnson families.
Predeceased by his grandparents, Laila Johnson and Monica and Laurie McWhirter.
Brad’s family would like to sincerely thank the medical professionals of the Regional Cancer Centre, Oncology, Internal Medicine, Radiology, all the staff on 1A at TBRHSC and the Patient Family Advisors Team for the care and compassion they delivered during his courageous battle.
Brad’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, particularly his family, who will always remember his quiet strength, calm and loving nature, and deep devotion to them.
A Celebration of Brad’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm at the Current River Community Centre.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Thunder Bay District Humane Society.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
