MEDDYBEMPS – P.J. Wooding, 84, died very peacefully Jan. 31, 2013, at home. He was born Jan. 22, 1929, in London, son of the late Frank and Eileen (O’Neill) Wooding.

He was raised in Leicester, England. After completing high school, a degree in electrical and mechanical engineering from London University, an indentured apprenticeship as a tool and die maker, and his two years of Army service, he immigrated to Canada. The love of his life, Janet, joined him in Canada from England, and they were married June 13, 1953, in Asbestos, Quebec. He worked as an engineer in the Province of Quebec for four years before moving to Pittsburgh, then settling in New Jersey, where he started his own company designing and building advanced melting systems for the steel industry. He was the holder of 23 U.S. patents, a Fellow of the (British) Institute of Mechanical Engineers and a Fellow of the (British) Institute of Electrical Engineers. In 2003 he and Janet moved to Meddybemps to retire. He loved spending time with his family, was an avid reader and loved to sing, but his favorite recreation was walking for miles in the wilderness and enjoying nature.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Daniel; and his sister, Margaret. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his five “favorite” daughters, Anne, Clare, Susan, Ruth and Martha; their families, including 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson; a brother, Pete; a sister, Mary; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a communicant at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Calais, where a memorial Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, with Father James Plourde officiating. A committal service will be held at Meddybemps Cemetery in the spring. Services by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.