MICHAEL WOODS

Michael Woods

MICHAEL WOODS

Husband of Nancy, brother of Peter, father of Simon and Stella, father-in-law of Jill, grandfather of Isabella and Alex, died 6th December, 2022.

Michael was born in Preston in 1926.  His family moved to Oldham in the 1930s, where he attended Hulme Grammar School.  In 1944, he joined the army, trained in surveying and cartography and became a lieutenant in the Royal Artillery, serving in Italy and the Gaza Strip in Palestine. 

In 1948 Michael enrolled at Chester Teacher Training College.  He captained the football team and as a cashed-up former soldier with a sweet tooth, was a regular visitor to the Kardomah Coffee Shop for afternoon tea and crumpets. After graduation, he proposed to his sweetheart Nancy and settled down to a much less adventurous existence in Delph, where he lived happily for the next 67 years.  

Michael had a successful teaching career, becoming headmaster at both Denshaw and Friezland Primary Schools, and teaching over a thousand children. Many former pupils still remember him fondly, saying he was always fair and wanted everyone to do well. As a keen footballer and cricketer he enjoyed playing sport with the lads right up to retirement at age 60. 

Michael had a kind-hearted, warm and generous nature and always looked on the bright side of life. He was also a talented pianist with an agile mind, writing witty parodies and tackling the Telegraph crossword each evening.  He was much loved and will be greatly missed.