Political strategist.
Born at Waterloo, Ontario on 1 April 1955, son of Gertrude Ruth Hirt (1928-2017) and John Charles “Jack” Woodbury (1928-2017), he studied Political Science at the University of Manitoba where he was Chair of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union. He left before graduating to work for the Manitoba New Democratic Party. He served many roles with the party, including caucus research director, provincial secretary, director of communication, executive assistant to Premier Howard Pawley, and provincial President (2017-2021). At the federal level, he was assistant to MP Terry Sargeant, federal President, federal Treasurer, federal Secretary, and Chief of Staff to the federal leader Alexa McDonough. Before retirement in 2011, he served on the provincial Treasury Board and completed the course requirements for a BA degree. He died at Winnipeg on 10 November 2021. He was survived by his wife Becky Barrett and an adult daughter.
Obituary [John Charles Woodbury], Winnipeg Free Press, 14 January 2017.
Obituary [Gertrude Ruth Woodbury], Winnipeg Free Press, 18 November 2017.
“Longtime NDP strategist mourned,” Winnipeg Free Press, 13 November 2021.
Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 20 November 2021.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 2 February 2024
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