Obituary of Calvert Mitchell Woodruff

Calvert Mitchell Woodruff "Kelly", 88, passed away peacefully in hospital after a brief illness on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 surrounded by his family. Kelly was born in Kearney, Ontario, on September 27, 1929, and leaves behind his last surviving sister, Charlene "Tiny" Gullason from Toronto, Ontario, his last surviving sister-in-law, Kay Woodruff and many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his beloved partner of 33 years, Violet Laslo; his son, Calvert; and daughter, Margaret. Kelly's life's work was in the Canadian mining industry and, after graduating from the University of Toronto in 1954 with a Chemical Engineering degree, he joined full-time at Indusmin Limited, a Division of Falconbridge Nickel Mining (now Glencore), owners of the nepheline syenite deposit in Nephton, Ontario. Indusmin was unique in Canada, as one of the few companies in the world to be involved in the mining and refinement of non-metallic minerals-nepheline syenite and silica. Kelly was a pioneer, through Indusmin's Lakefield Research facility, in the application of nepheline syenite in ceramics, whitewares, paint, plastics, glass and many other consumer goods. He moved through various sales and management positions and was instrumental in the development of international markets and distribution for Indusmin products. He ended his career as President, CEO and Chairman after 40+ years with the same company. He also spent a brief period as head of an Indusmin subsidiary, Fahramet (now Kubota), in Orillia, Ontario. To his last day, Kelly was considered the foremost Canadian expert in nepheline syenite, and remained connected to it through ongoing business interests and the development of new sources of this unique natural resource. As important as his work was, Kelly never forgot the value of family, ensuring he participated in his kids' lives as they were growing up, even when he had to be away for work for extended periods. He placed high value on common decency, and was always willing to help others both personally and professionally. He had received mentorship and financial support early in his career and this simple act of generosity guided many of his life choices. Known to be kind, generous and patient with everyone, Kelly had his own special brand of humour, which endeared him to everyone he met. He also very much valued his relationships with his trusted colleagues and friends. Kelly was an avid Hockey Night in Canada and baseball fan, and spent many years curling at The Granite Club, in Toronto, before his interests (and bad back) led him to a less participatory (but no less enthusiastic) role as a spectator. Visitation will be held in Toronto, at Humphrey Funeral Home/A.W. Miles-Newbigging Chapel Ltd. on Friday, September 21, 2018 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 3 p.m.