Thomas R. Woods, 73, lifelong resident of Hartford, VT, died unexpectedly, Wednesday afternoon, November 30, while he was working at a job site in Canaan, New Hampshire.

He was born December 27, 1948, in Hanover, NH the son of Robert and Regis (Agan) Woods.  He grew up in White River Jct., VT and graduated from Hartford High School in 1967.  He was a gifted athlete and played on several Varsity teams including as the quarterback of the 1966 State Championship team.   Tom attended college for a short time before he began his long and successful 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.