JOHN WESLEY DAFOE

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JOHN WESLEY DAFOE July 1, 1930 - February 19, 2014 At the age of 83, John passed gently into the night at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg. John was a legendary Canadian journalist, whose career spanned five decades, the last 15 years as the editorial page editor of the Winnipeg Free Press. While many knew John through his distinguished career, he was an adored husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, brother and brother-in-law and faithful friend. As a father, he instilled values in his children at an early age. He encouraged them to express their own opinions and to make their own choices about education, religion, adventure and matters of the heart. He was loyal, generous and his dry wit delighted his family and friends. He taught his kids to pay their own way, to speak their minds and to stand up for what they believed in. He encouraged his children to read, explore new cultures and appreciate theatre and music of all kinds. A foodie, he loved his wife Arline's gourmet cooking and had an adventurous and educated palate. He married his best friend and true love; he was at his wife Arline's side throughout her journey with cancer. A world traveller for many years with Arline - whether in Turkey, Morocco, Malaysia, Portugal or Costa Rica - they would immerse themselves in the local culture, bonding with the locals and embracing their customs and the history. John was a lifelong patron of local and international theatre, enjoyed cuisine of all kinds and appreciated music, from opera and jazz to folk and blues. He loved reading and napping (sometimes at the same time) and hanging out with his grandchildren, grand nieces and nephews. He lived life to the fullest and was passionate about all he did. While his Parkinson's diagnosis may have slowed him down a little, he remained independent as long as he could. His wit was present even when he struggled to communicate. He walked for blocks with his walker and up and down the halls of the Convalescent Home. Reading the newspaper remained a daily ritual. We would like to thank the staff at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg for their care and dedication to him. We would also like to extend a special thanks to the family and friends who were loyal to the end. While they are too numerous to mention all of them, we extend a special gratitude to Liz and Terry Ripley, Vi and Terry Moore, Jim Carr and Coleen Suche and Jennifer Roblin, daughter of his lifelong friend Duff. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you remember John in a manner that's meaningful to you. You may consider a donation to the J. W. Dafoe Foundation. Supporting a local artist or theatre company, buying a book or reading a newspaper, or simply reflecting about good times would also be a meaningful homage. A private reception for family and friends will take place in the future.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 25, 2014