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John David Mendes Woods Dead at 86

Dec. 3, 2008 — Community leader John David Mendes Woods, 86, died recently on St. Thomas.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. expressed his condolences to the Woods family Tuesday before leaving for meetings on the mainland. Woods was married to the governor's aunt, preservationist and historian Edith deJongh Woods, who died in 2005.
Woods, who died Friday, was a pioneer in the development of the island's water and electrical systems.
"Mr. Woods spent his lifetime in the Virgin Islands and made significant contributions to the community," deJongh said in a news release. "Most notable are his years of dedicated service to the Virgin Islands Corporation, where he worked on the development of electrical and potable-water-distribution systems."
The V.I. Corporation was the predecessor of the V.I. Water and Power Authority. Woods played a "significant role" developing the potable-water system working under the then Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs (now the Department of Tourism), where he oversaw the development of submerged land areas, deJongh said.
The governor noted other contributions, as well: "Mr. Woods contributed immensely to the V.I. Port Authority as special-projects coordinator, in which he oversaw the expansion of the Cyril E. King Airport and the development of the Crown Bay Cruise Ship Port."
Since 1957 Woods was an active member of the Harmonic Lodge No. 356 E.C., serving as master on three occasions. He was the founding master for St. Ursula's Lodge No. 8952 E.C. on Tortola in 1980.
The governor characterized Woods as an "extremely well-read individual, one who was self-educated in a number of subject areas." He continued, "Many considered him a tough guy, and although he was extremely stern, he was a fair individual."
The governor concluded with a call for prayers.
"My family and the people of the Virgin Islands join me in offering our prayers for his eternal rest," deJongh said. "May the many memories of times shared comfort his children and family members during this period of bereavement."
The family will announce burial arrangement soon, said Woods' daughter, Julie Woods Dukes, on Wednesday.

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