Out and About on Vancouver Island posted this story about the Inukshuk between kilometre marker 42 and 43 on the road out from Tahsis. Thought I’d post it here for future reference.
Thank you, Maria Fyfe, for sharing about your dad, Tom.
The Waterfall Inukshuk on Head Bay Road, between Gold River and Tahsis BC, is one of those unexpected landmarks that carries far more meaning than most people ever realize. It sits quietly beside the road, rooted in place and shaped by real hands — a small piece of local history wrapped inside a family legacy. People pull over, smile, take a photo, and continue on their way, never knowing the story behind it.
In 2010, road builder Tom Woodward, a contractor for WFP, and his coworker Nate Toohey created the Inukshuk. Upon completion of the road job and using their heavy equipment they placed the rocks up beside the waterfall. The Inukshuk had become a national symbol during the 2010 Olympics, and maybe that’s where the spark came from. Whatever the inspiration, their work transformed a simple roadside curiosity into a tribute — something that feels both personal and communal.
They may have gotten into a little trouble afterward, but the joy it brings has lasted far longer. Tom and Nate would love knowing how many people still stop to admire it.
Tom Woodward passed away recently, and at his funeral, his son spoke about the Inukshuk — how it reflected his father’s spirit, his craftsmanship, his kindness, and his sense of humor. Now, the Inukshuk stands as a reminder of who he was: a good man, a skilled builder, and the best kind of father — the kind who leaves something behind that keeps making people smile.
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