As a pastor for 42 years, Aultman Hospice & Palliative Care volunteer Gary Wood served his congregation faithfully, nurturing their spiritual lives and walking alongside them in both their joys and their sorrows. Over time, it became clear that he had a calling and a passion for helping families in times of illness and grief.

That passion is rooted in Gary’s own grief over his father’s death. When he was a seminary student, Gary’s mother asked him not to come home during the final stages of his father’s illness. She didn’t want Gary’s father to know he was dying. At the same time, his father was hiding the severity of his illness from her.

“All my life, I’ve felt cheated because they couldn’t talk to each other about something so important,” Gary said.

A native of Niagara Falls, Gary spent most of his life in the Buffalo, New York, area. After he retired and relocated to Canton to be near family, he began attending pastors’ breakfasts at Aultman Hospital. There, he learned about the Compassionate Care Center at Aultman Woodlawn.

Gary has been volunteering at the Compassionate Care Center for 10 years. He serves two days a week, working closely with Chaplain Joseph Kampert and the spiritual care team to minister to patients and families of all faiths. Gary, along with other chaplains, makes the initial phone calls to patients and families to learn more about their spiritual needs and how the team can best help them.

He also sits alongside patients and families. “When appropriate, we listen to stories, read Scripture, pray and occasionally sing,” he said. “Most often, I just listen so that I can help them with what they’re going through.”

Many of the patients grew up with hymns that bring them comfort and welcome the opportunity to sing these beloved songs together.

Gary treasures getting to know patients and families. “It’s always rewarding to hear families’ grateful comments about the Compassionate Care Center,” Gary said. “They can’t believe how wonderful it is here, with the care they receive and the people who serve with such dedication.”

Gary also appreciates working with a friendly and caring staff, who’ve developed a warm camaraderie. “Volunteering here, I feel proud to be a part of a team,” he said. “Chaplain Joe and I work hand in hand. I’m grateful to help carry some of his load by helping with visitation and working with him on the men’s breakfast support group.”

Gary and his wife of 57 years, Nancy, are highly involved in Living Water Church, where Gary serves as a resource person for the GriefShare group. They have three adult daughters and four grandchildren.

He’s looking forward to serving at the Compassionate Care Center for as long as he can. “I hope I’m able to do this for many more years,” Gary said. “It means so much to offer comfort to families when they need it the most.”

Aultman Hospice & Palliative Care welcomes volunteers. Volunteer roles may include sitting with patients, baking or handling administrative tasks or other responsibilities. Training sessions are scheduled for July and October 2026. If you are interested in volunteering, please email mia.jones@aultman.com.