Woody has passed away

Our good friend Woody (Werner Woods) is gone. He slipped into a coma and passed in his sleep yesterday afternoon. He was 53 years old. He died as he had asked to: at home, with his wife Monique at his side, and surrounded by friends and family. Thanks to Tina and Scott Wilcox, who assisted in his care, he was not in pain.

Woody's passing is the end of an era for many of us. Meeting him and Monique convinced many of us Panama was a viable option, for they had been the pioneers - the ones that forged the Wild Wild West and found out where to find most of the things we now take for granted - things like a vet that speaks English, an honest lawyer, or a reputable contractor.

To many of us - Woody lived the dream - retired young, running a bar on the beach in the tropics surrounded by friends that loved him. Cold beer, good music and lots of hockey - THE Canadian dream.

Woody's Beach Bar was the first "gringo" bar in the area - filled with Canadiana - where we all gathered - and where we will gather again to say goodbye to a dear friend. His pain is over.

Join us this Friday at 1 PM for a toast to Woody, right at the bar - his favorite spot.

There will not be a  funeral - his last wishes were to be cremated and his ashes sent home to Canada.

Monique has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Woody's name to (NHN) Neighbors Helping Neighbors (www.nhnpanama.com) by Pay Pal or at the bar. Woody believed in NHN, and was concerned that his wife was safe once he was gone.

Woody is survived by his wife Monique, twin sons Nick and Christopher, daughter Victoria (Tory), his twin sister Valerie, sisters Caroline and Jacques, and brother's David and Charlie.

Goodbye my friend - you will be truly missed. Rob Brown