Tributes pour in for former Nipissing MP Bob Wood

Bob Wood, a former broadcaster and longtime MP for Nipissing, died over the weekend. Wood, who was 85, went public with his Alzheimer's diagnosis last year.

Former Nipissing MP Bob Wood, who went public last year with his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, died over the weekend at age 85, according to several published reports.

Wood represented the riding from 1988-2004. Before that, he was a well-known broadcaster.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bob Wood,” wrote current Nipissing MP Anthony Rota on social media.

“Bob dutifully served as Member of Parliament for our riding from 1988-2004, and made sure that everyone who needed help got it. Rest in Peace Bob.”

Broadcaster Dave Sturgeon, Wood’s colleague during their time at CFCH radio in North Bay, said he an a unique wit “and razor-sharp humour.”

‘He just cared that much’

“He had that rare ability to make you feel like he was talking just to you,” Sturgeon wrote, adding that Wood would give him rides when he first started because he didn’t have a vehicle.

“One of my favorite memories that really speaks to the kind of person Bob was (that) after every morning show, he’d stop by Shoppers Drug Mart to buy birthday cards -- actual birthday cards -- that he would personally mail to listeners celebrating that week,” Sturgeon said.

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“No one asked him to. He just cared that much.”

Last December, Wood said he had Alzheimer’s, going public to help promote the Project Lifesaver campaign in the District of Nipissing.

“Nobody ever sets out to have this,” Wood said at the time.

“If I can help somebody, that’s the name of the game.”