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Brian Woods

Brian (Briney hey) James Woods, 71 of Fredonia, passed on to the next adventure on Feb. 23, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer, at his home with his loved ones by his side. Brian was born on Aug. 18, 1949, in Dunkirk, to the late Woody (born Walter) Gerald Woods and Alma (Budsey) Johnson Woods (Rice). Brian is descendent of Artemas Woods, one of first settlers in our county, and of Thomas Janik Johnson, (Judge Anthony Johnson was Brian’s grandfather) one of first Polish families to emigrate to Dunkirk in mid 1800s

Brian grew up in Point Gratiot, Dunkirk, where friends were more like brothers and all the children were good looking. It was an ideal place to grow up in the fifties, with the lake and beach as their personal playground. During middle school, Brian’s step father was deployed to India. Brian spent two years in India attending the American International school there, and learning the customs of the people. Holi was most fun, as it involved squirting colored water on others, until he and his brother squirted one of the off limits “holy men.” These years living and learning to respect another culture had a major impact on his life.

The family returned to Dunkirk when he was in the 10th grade. He quickly reunited with old friends, just in time to engage in fun drinking and parties on the beach. Brian graduated from Dunkirk High School, 1967, and was voted MOST COLLEGIATE (yes, it is true).

Brian attended SUNY Fredonia, earning a BA degree in sociology. In 1969 he attended Woostock, an historic rock event. After a few odd jobs and a brief stay in Colorado, Brian returned to this area. He got work as a roustabout just as they were beginning to expand gas production in our area. He quickly became a skilled worker, working with all of the major gas producing companies in our county. Many knew him as Boz from those days…Bozzo the Bosso, when he was promoted to supervisor. Those were the days when he worked 12 hour days, covered in mud, from laying pipe, yet found time to have a good time, make good friends while they all recovered from work at St Stephens. The men he worked with during those decades in various gas companies became long time friends.

Brian was an avid motorcyclist, riding in the winding hills of the countryside. He often would go on extended motorcycle trips such as to the Vintage Bike races in mid-East Ohio, to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and to the Allegheny Forest, both in Pennsylvania and New York. His favorite bike was his 920 RH and his last bike, which he still owns, a lovely Moto Guzzi.

Brian was on the Aliens on Tour basketball team, under management of Michael Schoenl, they played in the city league. They might not have been the best players, but they sure had the best fun! Brian and Judi,with Kristin, had supporting roles in the art film Creatures Who Crawled Out of Lake Erie. (an artsy film on environment) Brian also loved gardening, hikes and in later years bird watching. He was a true nature lover, He was known as the animal whisperer, as there rarely was any kind of animal that he would not become friends with.

Brian and his wife, Judi, whom he married in 2000, loved to travel, particularly out west and to Mexico, where at one time they had hoped to retire. Brian and Judi loved to have a good time and would throw some of the best parties, where everyone would just relax and have a good time, with lots of drumming and dancing. They spent many summers in Van Buren at Judi’s family home, on the beach and in their kayaks. Brian was able to ride the kayak in on the waves on a rough day, like a surfer. They often each rode their kayaks into the sunset, like a watercolor painting.

Among Brian’s greatest joys in life were his grandchildren, Brianne (named after her grandfather) and Jordan. Brian often would claim his life began at their birth. He was present at Brianne’s birth, actually in the delivery room. After their births the grandchildren spent much time at their grandparent’s home, where he cared for and loved and spoiled them grandly. After their grandchildren were born (which also ruined their retirement plans, but NO regrets), they started to take them on extended train trips across the Country, going to such places as Grand Canyon, New Mexico, Texas, and Memphis; with stops often in their favorite city New Orleans. The trips often included a stop at Rising Oaks, an art fantasy paradise home of long time friend Alice Guffey Miller. Brian was a gentle man who was unafraid to take a stand for justice. Given the choice to be ever so clever or to be kind, Brian chose kindness. His lasting legacy to all who were fortunate to know him is his humor, wit, and most of all gentleness.

Brian is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Judi Lutz Woods, his step-daughter, who he raised as his own, Kristin Caromona, and his cherished grandchildren Brianne Judith Buchanan and Jordan Manuel Carmona, his brother and best friend Bruce, Bruce’s wife (Mary) Woods, a sister Holly, her husband Tom Kuwick, his brothers in laws Warren (Susan) Craghead and Ted (Patti) Lutz, and Brian’s beloved niece Alice Woods and nephew Ethan Woods and his partner, Lauren.

Brian was preceded in death by both of his parents, Alma (Budsey) Johnson Rice and Woods born Walter) Gerald Woods.

Many other loved ones are remembered, both those in the family and others who were equally close. His last wish when you think of him you smile.

A celebration of his incredible life will be held as soon as conditions permit.