Melvin Woodward, former MHA and entrepeneur, dead at 81

Accomplished entrepreneur and former provincial politician, Melvin Woodward, died at his home in Happy-Valley Goose Bay on Monday at the age of 81.

Woodward, who wasborn in North Boat Harbour but later moved to Labrador, is most known for hisplethora of oil and shipping companies bearing the Woodward name.

The Woodward Group of companies encompassesWoodward's Oil Limited, Woodward's Limited, Coastal Shipping Limited, Woodward Motors Limited, Labrador Marine Services and Arctic Fuel Delivery.

According to a statement released by the Woodward family, the group of companiesemploys over 800 workers and has amassed $750-million in sales.

"He was particularly proud of his ability to reestablish Newfoundland and Labrador's role in the Arctic, and he won all contracts through competitive tendering with the Nunavut Government to provide fuel distribution in the territory," said the family in a statement.

In addition to his businesses, Woodward was a twice-elected member to the House of Assembly as a Liberal representative.

Dabbling in politics

He served as Minister of Labrador Affairs, director for the Bank of Canada and was a founding member and head of the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce.

Woodward was a member of the Memorial University Board of Regents and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from MUN in 2003 for his distinguished public service and outstanding contributions to the development of business and the economy of the province.

"Our father never forgot his roots," said the family.

"Like few others of his generation, he saw the north as a land of opportunity, and while others went south to settle and invest, he made the north his home."

Woodward is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sibyl,three children and five grandchildren.

A wake and funeral service is set to take place Happy Valley-Goose Bay, with an interment in Boat Harbour.