Gerry Wood, the influential Calgary automotive entrepreneur and dedicated philanthropist who built the Wood Automotive Group into a regional powerhouse, has passed away at the age of 82. Wood died on Tuesday following an extended battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family at his home.
A Legacy of Business and Benevolence
Born near Glasgow, Scotland, Wood emigrated to Canada in the late 1970s with plans to join his brother in Papua New Guinea. His journey took an unexpected turn when he stopped in Calgary, initially intending it as a brief pause. Needing employment, Wood leveraged his automotive retail knowledge—gained from his father's successful dealership in Scotland—to secure a position at Maclin Ford.
His exceptional customer service skills and business acumen quickly propelled him forward. Wood purchased his first dealership in Vulcan, just south of Calgary, before acquiring Southridge Mercury on Macleod Trail in 1983, which he renamed Woodridge Mercury. This marked the beginning of what would become the Wood Automotive Group.
Building an Automotive Empire
Through nearly five decades of determined effort, Wood expanded his enterprise to include nine dealerships, an online store, and a collision repair facility. Today, the Wood Automotive Group employs approximately 800 people across its operations, serving communities throughout the region.
"Gerry was a true entrepreneur and visionary," his family stated in an official release. "Through determination, hard work, and a clear sense of purpose, he built Wood Automotive Group into the company it is today. He cared deeply about this business and every person who is part of it."
Philanthropy as a Driving Force
While his business achievements were substantial, Wood's most enduring legacy may be his extraordinary philanthropic work. Family members and colleagues emphasized that his generosity touched countless lives and supported numerous charitable causes.
"He genuinely cared about people. About how they were doing. About their families. About the communities we live and work in," the family shared. "What mattered most to Gerry wasn't recognition or success, but knowing he was helping others and making a difference. That spirit of generosity is a legacy that will live on."
Championing Down Syndrome Support
Wood's philanthropic passion found particular focus through his family's personal experience. After his daughter Megan was diagnosed with Down syndrome as a child, Wood and his wife Elaine discovered what they described as "an overwhelming need to establish services for individuals with Down syndrome."
This realization led to the creation of the Woodridge Charity Golf Tournament, which Wood and Elaine organized for three decades. The event raised more than $4 million to support people with Down syndrome through the PREP Society, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
"That was one of the most impressive things I've ever been a part of," Wood once remarked about the tournament. His automotive group also played integral roles in numerous other charitable golf initiatives throughout the years.
Recognition and Lasting Impact
In 2017, Wood's contributions to business and community were formally recognized with his induction into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame. During that period, he reflected on the philosophy that guided his life and work, recalling his father's advice: "you've got to give to get."
Curtis Slater, executive director of the PREP Society, confirmed the authenticity of Wood's charitable commitment. "Those sentiments were entirely genuine," Slater noted, acknowledging Wood's profound impact on the Down syndrome community.
Wood's passing leaves a significant void in Calgary's business and philanthropic landscapes. His journey from Scottish emigre to automotive industry leader and community benefactor stands as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit combined with heartfelt generosity.
