Robin John Woods

July 20, 1939 - June 5, 2026

Robin Woods was born in Cereal, Alta., to George and Fern Woods. He passed away peacefully at Big Country Hospital in Oyen after a brief illness.

Robin grew up on the family farm at Sibbald and attended school at Vernon and Sibbald, often riding the family horse, Ginger. Later, he attended high school in Oyen, where he boarded with family friends. After graduation, he worked at the Co-op in Oyen and often helped unload freight cars after work for extra cash.

A short stint in Rocky Mountain House working at a grocery store taught him that he simply loved the open prairie. He returned to Oyen in 1964 and began working for Jerry Ferguson at Macleods. When he purchased the store in 1971, a hardware store legend was born.

It was in that store that his love for people shone through. He took great pride in the business, especially when customers remarked, “If you don’t have it, we don’t need it.” In later years, after turning the store over and retiring from management, he was often seen visiting with customers, staff and former staff. He recently told Richard that he should have retired at 80, but he enjoyed helping people too much to quit.

Robin also loved the land, nature and finding all kinds of treasures. He was known for roaming the fields in search of rare rocks and became the community’s go-to person whenever someone lost a precious piece of jewelry. Baseball was another lifelong passion. He played ball in his younger years, and the Los Angeles Dodgers remained his favourite team, even during the 2025 season.

In his fifties, a special woman caught his eye. Pat Lehr soon became his constant companion, joining him on tours, attending farm auctions and working in their bountiful garden. Outside of work, it was rare to see them apart, and Pat brought great joy to Robin’s life.

Robin’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among his greatest joys. His family meant the world to him.

Robin is lovingly remembered by his “better half,” Pat Lehr; his children, Richard Woods (Wendy Lawrence), Anne Woods (Brad Misener), Jeremiah (Steph) Lehr and Dawn Lehr (Ryan Coutts); his grandchildren, Jordan (Ashley) Woods, Chelsea (Dakota) Ruschkowski, Sarah Code (Ben), Matt Code, Justin Code, Mackenzie (Jesse) Derksen, Ethan Lehr, Brody Lehr and Levi Lehr; and his great-grandchildren, June and Ellis Ruschkowski, and Rhett and Daisy Code. He will also be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Big Country Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, as well as EMS staff, for the care they provided during Robin’s illness and passing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oyen & District Health Care Foundation (Palliative Unit), PO Box 1, Oyen, AB T0J 0J0, by e-transfer to oyenhealthfoundation@outlook.com, or to a charity of your choice.

Family and friends gathered June 13, 2026, at the Legion for a funeral service and celebration of Robin’s life.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to MacLean’s Funeral Home, Oyen, Alta.