Peter Woods - Victoria Honouree

2019 IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's

One of Peter Woods’ favourite memories with his wife Cynthia is the time they spent building their Victoria home – an opportunity to work together, establish roots in the community and for Cynthia, a lover of fashion and interior design, a chance to express herself creatively.

The years since their home was completed in ’91 passed quickly for the couple. Peter retired from his position as a civil engineer and Cynthia, following her professional life with the Ministry of Environment, spent more time sketching , reading and living out her dream fashion gig modeling for a local historical costume society. When Cynthia started withdrawing from her passions, Peter and their son John knew something was wrong. Cynthia was diagnosed with dementia in 2013 and Peter was soon caring for her full time in their home.

Peter has been extremely proactive in finding the Alzheimer Society of B.C. support that works best for him. Cynthia attended early stage support groups while Peter was a mainstay at ongoing education sessions.

“Shaping the Journey was pivotal,” Peter says of the Society education session for people living with dementia and caregivers. “It opened the doors to what was going on, the problems that we were going to face and how to approach them.”

Peter has been the top fundraiser for the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s event in Victoria for the last two years. His contributions have helped provide vital support and education he hopes other caregivers will access. “Learn all you can very early in the process,” he says. “Don’t put it off. Take steps and take them early.”

With Cynthia now in long-term care, Peter’s caregiving role has changed, but the memories of his kind, loving and fun-filled wife remain the same.

“She had a lovely smile,” he says. “She still has a lovely smile.”

 

Walk with Peter at the Victoria IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's on Sunday, May 5. Together, we make memories matter.