I first met Joe when I was hired as an English teacher in 1964. The next nine years were a growing period for me, and Joe was there as a role model intellectually, administratively and as a friend. Over the next 50 years (that’s hard to believe), we were the old salts in our poker club shepherding over 20 neophytes through the magic and emotion of cards. When I joined him in the administrative ranks, we dealt with many changes and challenges to education over the next 25 years. In all, it was a great experience. The last few years were difficult for Joe, but equally difficult for his family and friends who witnessed the changes to this intellect, this writer, this community icon and this friend. On behalf of Jon, Trevor, Chris, Jim, Larry and Grant, I extend to the family our condolences and the knowledge that we will miss an excellent human being.
Bruce Shaw

Sincere condolences to the Wooden family on the loss of Joe. Recording the history of Exeter was an important testament of the progress Exeter has made . May the memories be a blessing .

Steve Jobs believed that we are put here on earth so that we may make a dent in the universe. If that is true, in his lifetime, Joe Wooden absolutely “impacted” the lives of many individuals who entered his orbit. As a rookie young teacher in the 1980s, Joe Wooden left a lasting impression on me that would extend well beyond the classroom, school and my career.

In September 2020, I wrote some words to Joe that would hopefully convey to him my sincere gratitude and appreciation for his influence in my life. Below are a couple of fragments that tell a small part of the story.

FIRST DAY IMPRESSION

September arrived out of breath
like a teenager who overslept and then raced the clock.
Anticipation crammed the air.
Rookie smiles and familiar tanned game day faces
mingled among the shelves of books.
New principal rumours bounced between the tables.
Mr. Wooden’s move north was a punishment.
You’d pissed off someone on Albert Street.
You were here to be watched.
Or, maybe, you were sent to pull us out of a rut.
Old routines often conceal rust and rot.
You offered C.H.S.S. fresh optimism.
You laughed at the jaded pessimism of some.
You gave us better stories to complete.
You reminded us of the grand importance
of our collective mission.
You quoted William James:
I will act as though what I do makes a difference.
You inspired this young teacher to believe
that his deliberate actions, big or small, mattered.
No roadblocks of official opposition,
collegial jealousy or lazy indifference
should defeat us from doing
what is best for our students.
So, what was my first day impression of Joe Wooden?
I think I kind of like this guy!
I hope he stays around for awhile.

WALKING AROUND

You poked your head in classroom doors.
You greeted students by their name in the halls.
You stopped and stooped to pick up litter
that others had just passed by.
You traded gossip with custodians and cafeteria staff.
You argued long and loud with Tom Fox
about the best way to save the world.
You injected yourself into the bloodstream of the school.
You were not a paper pusher.
You were out of your office more than in.
You always took the long way around
because straight paths were for bureaucrats.
You knew where to find people
who thought they’d disappeared.
You were a pollinator
connecting people with opportunities.
Johnny and June — Joe and Nancy
up on stage, singing doleful songs
that filled our gym with loud laughter and applause.
Because you were genuinely interested
in what everyone was doing and
because you cared enough to share your news,
slowly, over time, you built
a real sense of community in our school.
You understood that when students and staff
feel recognized and respected,
attitudes become more open and accepting
of other perspectives, other possibilities.
Everyone felt the very spirit of the building changing.
Joe, just by walking around,
you gave C.H.S.S. a new forward momentum.

Joe came into our lives through his wife Linda who was a colleague of David’s and an instant friend of Marlene. We met Joe in 1980 and became close friends with him as well. Joe and Linda always expressed interest and deep affection for our two children Brian and Honora who share in our sadness.

Many good memories linger, especially the warmth and comfort of their home nourished by Linda’s great cooking and Joe’s generous hospitality. Joe was always a source of stimulating conversation.

We were honoured to join Joe and Linda when he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth medal which recognized his creative dedication to his community .

Age brought its challenges but we observed Joe and Linda making the necessary challenges to remain at home and together until the challenges appeared overwhelming.

Rest in peace, Mr. Wooden

Deb and Stu and all your family..
My Sympathy in your loss of a Dear Dad and Grandpa. He was a great principal and I had
him for geography class many moons ago. Sometimes would get side tracked but always
made it interesting…Your fond memories will
keep him always present… Thinking of you..

interesting

Deb, Stu and family
sincere sympathy in your great loss. He served his community for so many years. May the good memories help bring peace and comfort

Joe was a great principal at South Huron, mainly because he truly cared about the students and the paths they would take in life. Having not seen him in 20 years after graduation, he would still call you by name and was interested in how your life turned out.
Our sincere sympathy to Linda and the family
Don & Charlene

Deb, Stu & family….my deepest condolences in the passing of Joe. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Joe accomplished much in his life and has earned his rest.

Joe ‘Mr. Wooden’ was my grade 9 Geography teacher at SHDHS…. I knew Joe for many yrs. later, through various social gatherings & mutual friends. An amazing & accomplished Gentleman. He will be remembered……..Anmarie

Very sorry for your loss..he was a awesome principle, he listened to what you had to say,he truly cared…

Joe loved history, as evidenced by his books, and his involvement as director and friend of the St Joseph and Area Historical Society. Through his advice, encouragement, and actions, to his students, teachers, church, community and family, we can see that his real love is people, and that he made a difference in our lives.
Mike Miller

Our thoughts are with you all at this time. An amazing principle who always had an engaging smile and a greeting for everyone.
Ann Baynham and family

Joe was always a joy to see – no small talk just right into matters of import or interest from theatre to politics – which he might agree have some similarities. Sending condolences and good thoughts of a life well loved to Linda and Deb and the whole family.

Mr. Wooden was the principal at SHDHS during my high school days there (fall 1976 to spring/summer 1981). He was also well-liked and well-respected by my dad, who taught machine shop and English there for a quarter of a century or so. I remember him as a very kind and easy-going administrator. I forget who the vice principal was at the time, but my recollection was that the vice principal and Mr. Wooden definitely had a bad cop, good cop thing going! :-) I also recall Mr. Wooden doing some country duets with another teacher during gatherings in the gym (did we used to call them assemblies, maybe?) and that those duets, where he played a Johnny Cash role, generally brought the house down. I had a chance to read his history of Exeter too (my mom and dad had a couple of copies), and it was a good and interesting read. RIP Mr. Wooden, and my sincere condolences to the family.

Phil de Haan, SHDHS Class of 1981

Sending my deepest condolences to the family! Met Joe first at CHSS high school, he was a great principal! A fond memory was when Joe caught me in the hall during class hours ! He asked what I was doing in the hall? I responded with “making Jello” he grinned and said you better show me! I was in the kitchen making sheets of Jello for the Jello eating Contest the next day! He later told me that was one of the most original excuses he had heard!
Fast forward 30 years later he was at my business looking to help a less fortunate person! He paid to have him stay the night so he was safe and fed! He did this many times through the years ! Rest in peace Joe!

Linda, Susan, Deb, Cathy, John and families, heartfelt condolences on your loss. Your Dad was a great principal. I remember him as fair and kind. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincere sympathy to Susan, Deb, Catherine, John and the grandchildren in the passing of your Father and Grandfather. Keep the fun times and memories close to your hearts as you go forward in the days and months ahead. Thinking of everyone at this sad time and sending Hugs to Amanda, Sara and Luke. Joyce, Shari and John, Shelly and Karl and families.

I send my sincerest condolences to the Wooden family; especially Susan and Deb who I knew best. Your father hired my father to teach at SHDS, and so began my lifelong attachment to Exeter. He was a very influential, brilliant and intriguing man whose interest in local history and people was admirable. May your many happy memories of your father and grandfather’s full life bring you comfort as you carry on his legacy.

Deb, Stu & family,
My thoughts are with you all during this most difficult time. Joe was an amazing man and led an accomplished life. I hope you find comfort in the many memories over the coming days.

I will never forget the day when Mr. Wooden made me famous.

It happened one day during one of the years I was in Grade 13 at South Huron District High School so that makes it 1968 or 1969. Mr. Wooden was the high school’s principal at the time.

The school was holding an assembly in the old gymnasium to hand out athletic awards. One of the awards was to be a small badge for those who had managed to run a mile in six minutes or less and I was one of them. The teacher overseeing the event called out my name and asked me to come forward to receive my badge.

As I was making my way from the back of the gym Mr. Wooden stepped up to the microphone and, in a good natured way, bellowed “HE CAN RUN A MILE IN LESS THAN SIX MINUTES BUT HE CAN”T GET TO SCHOOL ON TIME” and I was instantly famous. For a day.

I think that this experience is a good illustration of one of the qualities Mr. wooden had that made him such a good principal: a good sense of humour.

Victor G. Fulcher

Condolences to the Wooden family. Deb and Susan , your father was a great leader.

Sincere Condolences to the Family.

Lois Ottewell and family send condolences.
Joe and Ken both started teaching jobs at South Huron in 1955. We had our children at about the same time, our families socialized, we babysat each other’s children. The Ottewell kids spent a lot of time at the Wooden household. Ken and Joe looked a lot alike and were often mistaken for each other. Ken would be accosted on Main Street by residents thinking he was on Town Council, when it was in fact Joe. When Ken passed away in 2020, Joe took the time to handwrite a note of sympathy to me, which I very much appreciated. Joe was a wonderful teacher, a supportive principal, and a great friend to Ken and me. A true gentleman. Our sympathies to Linda, the kids and grandkids.

Mr Wooden will always be remembered as a fair educator & Principal. You could tell he loved his work & he knew that humour went a long way with teenagers. Our condolences to Linda, Susan, Deb and families
Barry & Melonie (Veal) Miller

Deepest Sympathy to Linda and the rest of the Wooden family. He was an amazing Principal, who was friendly and outgoing, always treating others with respect. The book he wrote about Exeter, was a great contribution to the community. He will be missed.

Judi and Bill Weber would like to offer condolences to the family. it was a privledge to have worked with Joe. We are left with many unforgettable stories and memories of a special man.

Mr Wooden was a well respected and fair principal. Reading all his accomplishments doesn’t come as a surprise but as a reminder to his talents. Please accept our deepest condolences.

Dear Cath,

Sorry to hear about your dad. I remember from our old days together at the Goderich Signal-Star that you often spoke of him with love, pride and respect. He was a very accomplished man. May happy memories give you & your family much comfort now.

Joanne

Linda and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. Mr. Wooden was a very accomplished man and well respected.
Karn Durdin and Thornton

I remember Mr Wooden fondly. Sending my deepest sympathy to his family.

Please accept our family’s deepest condolences in your loss of Mr. Wooden who was our beloved Principal for many years. I’ll always remember our trips through blinding snow storms with your Dad and Bruce Shaw to CKNX TV station in Wingham to compete on ” Reach For The Top”. He was available to all his students, encouraged us to achieve our best and to follow our dreams.

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends in the passing of Joe.He was a good teacher and principal,very dedicated to history of our community.Your fun loving memories will be a blessing in the future,keep them close to your ♥ heart RIP Joe

Susan, Deb, Cathy, John and Families,

Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this sad time.
May your memories provide you strength and comfort.

Chris (Parsons) & Peter Moore

Deb and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Joe’s outstanding contribution to community has earned a place and is a beacon in the history books. Joe was my principal at SHHS and later became a friend across the poker table, a place where we enjoyed many a great story that only he could tell. Joe was a man among men.
Our condolences…
Jim & Jackie Rowe

Dear Deb & Stu, Susan, Cathy, John & Family

I have so many happy memories of your Dad for nearly 60 years.
He may not have always seen the results of his kindness, his words of encouragement, but every bit of his knowledge has contributed to his students, co-workers and friends.
You Mr. Wooden made this place better for all of us and we thank you.
RIP my dear friend.

To Deb and family
It has been many years since you and taught together at Rolph St School in Tillsonburg. I well remember you sharing stories about your father. The obit clearly indicates he was a prominent pillar of the community and will be greatly missed by all. My sincere sympathy to all the family and friends who have known him and worked with him over his many years of active participation in the community and surrounding area. Hold your memories tight — they will assist you to adjust to life without your dad. Blessings to all!
Mary Anne Silverthorn
Woodstock, ON

Susan, Debbie, Catherine, and John

I am sending my condolences to you regarding your father’s Joe’s passing. Girls I was your babysitter and a student and neighbour of Joe and Diane. Your Dad was an awesometeacher and please say hi to your mom Diane for me. I am so sorry for your families loss.

Shirley Henderson Dundas

Burlington Ontario

I’m very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He had such a large presence in the community and with teachers and students. My first memory of Joe was about 52 years ago. The family came to visit and the kids used to play with my sister and brothers. ( Mary, Mike and Andy ) We had so much fun that when they went to leave I tried to hide in the car for them to take me home with them. Joe and Linda were very good friends of my mother, Barb Southcott. As a teenager I often remember their visits . If I missed the bus to Forest high school my Mom would occasionally call Joe to so I could ride with him. It was always a bit intimidating to ride to school with the principal . He was always kind and thoughtful ! My aunt Frances Gage was lucky enough to be asked to commission a beautiful statue for their garden in Southcott Pines. It was one of my favourite statues she did and I know they loved it very much. I wish I could attend the service but unfortunately I am not able to make it. Keep your memories close.
Nancy (Southcott) Onderwater

Our deepest sympathy to all of the Wooden family.
A life well lived. A commanding figure who garnered respect and gave respect in return. We were very lucky to have him as a principal during our high school years. We often ran into him in Grand Bend, and he always had a smile and a hello for us. Your memories will keep him close to your heart. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard and Wendy Jennison

To All the Family;
My condolences to all of you. There has been many great teachers from SHDHS and Joe was the one that showed the way of how to be a Great Principal.

RIP Mr Wooden

Linda, Susan, Deb, Cathy, John and Families
So sorry to see the passing of a wonderful man. Many memories as neighbors and also being my principal.
Thinking of you all with deepest sympathy
Sincerley
Liz Campbell (Giffin) and family

To all of Joe’s Family
Our Sincere Condolences
Joe was a great principal and support of the community
Tom and Bev Prout

My heart goes out to all of the Wooden family at this difficult time, and I offer my sincere condolences. I feel privileged because not only did I get to know “Mr. Wooden” as my principal at South Huron District High School but also to know him a little bit as a Dad because I started to hang out with his daughter Susan. I have many fond memories of being at the Wooden’s home in Exeter with Susan and two other close friends. Three of that quartet were the oldest child in our families and it’s one of the things that made the connection special, at least for me. It was a pleasure to know him.
Susan Tuckey Turnbull

Deb and family, I send my condolences. I have great memories of your dad’s kindness and humour as a student at SHDHS. My best memories were my last year there celebrating at Prom, Washington, his encouragement for our painting the yearbook room and his tolerance for the foibles of youth. None of these would seem to be academic but they demonstrated that his goal was not just pushing us through the system but to make sure we enjoyed the ride. I hope your memories give you comfort knowing he made a difference. Mary Anne (Geoffrey) Vanos