Mel Woodward remembered as a 'great force,' true Labradorian
One of this province's most successful entrepreneurs, Mel Woodward, is being remembered not only for his business savvy, but also for his humanity, his sense of humour and his love of Labrador.
Melvin Woodward passed away Monday. He was 81.
The story of his rise to prominence in this province's business community is a fascinating one, beginning 55 years ago with a single fuel oil delivery truck in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
He went on to build a small empire called the Woodward Group of Companies that today employs some 800 people and has annual sales of more than $750 million.
Among other things, the Woodward Group operates a fleet of tankers that delivers fuels throughout the north, operates the Strait of Belle Isle ferry service, and owns a stable of car dealerships.
Chasing the 'real money'
Woodward also had a stint in politics, serving two terms as a Liberal MHA in the early 1970s.
But his passion for business and making money was his true calling, and he did it very well.
In a 2003 speech at Memorial University in St. John's, where he was receiving an honorary degree, Woodward encouraged graduates not to take the "easy deviation" and work for the government or some utility company.
"I have never felt in my whole life that I would master an organization, create it, massage it, finance it, establish and pull from it $140 million annually like I'm doing today," he said.
"You need in this province today at least a couple of dozen Mel Woodwards to spur on the economy."
No money in teaching
No one could have predicted his business success.
He grew up in North Boat Harbour, a tiny community at the tip of the Northern Peninsula.
He was born during the difficult 1930s, and was one of nine children.
After earning his Grade 11, he landed a teaching job in Savage Cove, the home community of his longtime wife, Sibyl (Coles).
He earned just $67 per month.
He later took a job at the military base in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and quickly realized there were untapped business opportunities.
He seized upon each and every one, and made his name by delivering fuel to isolated communities along the coast of Labrador.
He was founder of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce, and later served as chair of the St. John's Port Authority. He received numerous awards in recognition of his business career and his public service.
More than a business tycoon
Former Liberal MHA and lieutenant-governor Ed Roberts described Woodward as "probably the most successful businessman we've ever seen in Newfoundland and Labrador."
Roberts was friends with Woodward for many years. He praised Woodward for his courage, determination and drive.
"He was a great force and he did good things for Labrador," said Roberts.
The Woodward name will always be affiliated with Labrador and the Northern Peninsula because of Mel Woodward and his wife Sibyl.- Yvonne Jones
Labrador MP Yvonne Jones said Woodward was a friend and a mentor, and was much more than a business tycoon.
She said some of his charity work was known publicly, but he often quietly helped out those in need.
It wasn't uncommon for Woodward to help pay the education expenses for employees who wanted to improve their skills, Jones said.
"He was a common, decent human being," she said.
"The Woodward name will always be affiliated with Labrador and the Northern Peninsula because of Mel Woodward and his wife Sibyl, and what they have done in our communities. Not only did they build a business, but they built lives. They gave people jobs. They gave people opportunity."
Lake Melville MHA Keith Russell said Woodward was an inspiration and a true Labradorian.
"Yesterday, Newfoundland and Labrador lost a valuable member of our society and an inspiration for many people, including me," Russell, the Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, said Tuesday in the House of Assembly.
Woodward is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sibyl, three children and five grandchildren.