The family of 93-year-old Harry Woods are mourning the death of a “miracle man” who survived for seven months after sustaining serious injuries when he was knocked down near his Kesh home in February.

One of the most senior citizens in Kesh, Mr. Woods, who served in The Home Guard during World War II, was never able to return to his home at Glendurragh Park after the incident in which he suffered a broken pelvis, neck injuries and injuries to his face and nose.

Read: Dad (93) hit by 4x4 after failed speed ramp plea

His family have reiterated their call for speed ramps to be installed on the Crevenish Road where the collision happened.
“We would like to see action taken and speed bumps here to prevent injury to anyone in the future,” said his son Nigel Woods.

Mr. Woods was initially treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, where staff commented that he was a “miracle man”, having survived injuries that a younger person would struggle to overcome. He was then transferred to the South West Acute Hospital where he enjoyed sitting at the window and watching the world go by. After two months in the Millcroft nursing home, Mr. Woods took up residence in Lowtherstown Court sheltered housing accommodation, Irvinestown, and passed away just 17 days later.

His family feel “lucky” to have had an extra seven months, during which time they watched as Mr. Woods became a Christian with the help of a close family friend, “gave his life to Jesus, and became a more calm and settled person.”

He “accepted” his situation and was thankful for the care he received from various nurses and carers. He looked forward to visits from his sons Neville and Nigel, his daughter-in-law Carol, and his four grandchildren: Joel, Timothy, Amy and Emily. He also enjoyed a number of day trips with his family to The Stables, Derrygore; the Harvest Thanksgiving at Irvinestown Independent Methodist Church; and Enniskillen Vintage Club’s charity night.
A dog-lover, Mr. Woods was always known to have a dog at his side. His dog Basil (pictured) was also injured in the incident and subsequently had to be put down.

His family recall “a fiercely independent” man who worked until he was 73; as a truck driver for Roger Loane in Kesh, a coal delivery man, and a school bus driver.

Read: Dad (93) hit by 4x4 after failed speed ramp plea

“He was a great provider and a great worker,” commented Neville.
Born in 1923 near the Graan, Derrygonnelly, Mr. Woods’ was an only child. His mother died when he was 10 months old and his father died when he was 12 years old. He then moved to Kesh, where he was raised by an aunt and uncle. He would have celebrated his 94th birthday last Sunday.

During the war, Mr. Woods helped draw materials for the construction of the aerodrome at St. Angelo. He was a drummer in Kesh flute band during the 1940s and the Lisnarick flute band in the 1970s. “He had a love of Irish and Scottish traditional music and he never missed the pipe band contest in Enniskillen each year,” Nigel recalled. “He came to our house for dinner on Sundays and loved to watch the Edinburgh Military Tattoo,” said Neville. He also enjoyed listening to Neville and his sons perform with the Silver Tones choir.

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A vintage car enthusiast, Mr. Woods took pleasure in driving Nigel’s Beetle car as it reminded him of his old Morris Minor.

“He loved interacting with people and would regularly visit the housebound, many of whom were younger than him,” said Neville. The Woods family are thankful to the staff at the Royal, SWAH, the Millcroft, Lowtherstown Court, Pillbox Pharmacy, Irvinestown, and everyone who attended Mr. Woods’ funeral at Ardess Parish Church.