Thomas R. Woods, 73, a lifelong native of Hartford, Vermont, passed away suddenly on November 30 in the afternoon while working at a construction site near Canaan, New Hampshire.
The son of Robert and Regis (Agan) Woods, he was born on December 27, 1948, in Hanover, New Hampshire. He attended Hartford High School and grew up in White River Junction, Vermont, graduating in 1967. He was a talented athlete who participated on a number of varsity teams, including the 1966 State Championship squad as their quarterback. Tom briefly attended college before starting his lengthy and prosperous career as a carpenter.
Well known as a Master Carpenter throughout Central Vermont, New Hampshire and beyond. Tom was widely respected for his superior craftsmanship and outstanding work ethic. During his entire career, Tom never had a hard time finding work. He loved what he did especially because of the strong friendships he made while on the job site.
He recently told his family that the only reason why he kept working was “because I love the guys I work with” Tom was a mentor and loved his working buddies as if they were his brothers. One of his closest friends and coworkers said ” he was really like a brother to me” “you couldn’t slow him down but you had to try because he just keep working and working” ” he was the hardest worker I have ever known”.
When he wasn’t building, Tom loved spending time with his family. In his later years he wintered in Florida with his daughter Morgan, where he spent countless hours on the beach. He was affectionately nicknamed “Tommy Bahama”. During the summer months he enjoyed helping his son, work on his his house and around his property in Tunbridge, VT. Along with his children, Tom dearly loved his grandchildren.
Other than his family, Tom often said in general, he loved animals, any animal, more than he liked people. He was a long-time member of A.A. where he made many friends and helped numerous people through his mentorship and example. Tom was a quiet man and liked to keep things to himself, He was strong and tough and spiritual. Tom loved God and was extremely devoted to his daily prayers, on his knees in the same spot every day by the river for over 25 years.
He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Gee who died this past April.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Morgan O’Connor Kin of Fort Meyers, FL, a son, Travis Woods of Tunbridge, VT, and his wife, Erin, four grandchildren, Mckayla Woods, Grayson Kin, Reagan Woods, and Payton Woods, a brother, James “Jim” Woods of West Hartford, VT, a sister, Jane Koster of Jamestown, RI as well as several nieces and nephews.
Following his wishes a private family gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748
Condolences to Tom’s family may be left at an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com
The Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., Vermont is honored to be assisting the Woods family.