Teacher Adam Wood remembered as bright, caring mentor

Friends in Thunder Bay, Ont. are remembering Adam Wood, the 35-year-old teacher who was killed in La Loche Saskatchewan on Friday, for his humour, his enthusiasm and his genuine desire to make the world a better place.

Hewas just months into a teaching job at the La LocheCommunity School, when he and a teacher's aide were gunned down in a mass shooting. Seven others were injured at the school,and two brothers were killed at a separate location.

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Wood graduated from the outdoor recreation, parks and tourism/concurrent education program atLakehead University in Thunder Bay and alsospent two summers working with the non-profit group, Roots to Harvest, a communitygardening initiative whichprovidesmanyteenagers and young people with their first job.

Wood was bright, caring and "full of lightness," said Erin Beagle, the executive director of Roots to Harvest. He was also a natural with the kids.

"He affected individuals," Beagle said. "Those kids that he worked with were absolutely impacted and he has a legacy with them."

"Adam would have, to his end, been concerned about the people around him."

While living in Thunder Bay, Wood also attended Grassroots Church, where part of Sunday's service was dedicated to remembering him.

Members of the church shared memories of Wood as a giving person, and a mentor.

"They'd never see him be unkind or impatient," said Scott Wiebe, a volunteer member of the board at the church.

"If we can strive to be someone like him, the world's a better place."

Grassroots Church has started a book of condolences for Wood's family.

On Thursday night at 7 p.m. the organization Roots to Harvest will remember Wood at their garden on Algoma Street, where Erin Beagle said she can still picture him.

"I'll remember him being outside. I'll remember him with his hat on, and his bandanna ... in the garden, working hard."