JOHN HOPE WEBSTER

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JOHN HOPE WEBSTER M.Bs, B.T. June 23, 1926 - March 8, 2015 It is with sadness that we announce the passing, peacefully in his sleep, of John Hope Webster. He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 60 years, Merle (Larsen) Webster, and his brothers William and Alexander. Left to cherish his memory are his children John (Marie-Pierre), Fiona (Ken), and his grandchildren, Stephanie, Chet, Alex and Wade, plus nieces, nephews and countless friends. John was born in Drem, Scotland in the back bedroom of his grandmother's house and grew up in Athelstaneford, birthplace of the Scottish Flag. Perhaps the history surrounding his home in "The Village", as he affectionately called it, helped fuel his passion for his Scottish Heritage. He was a fanatic Scot and avowed historian with respect to his homeland and the impact its emigrants had on both Canada and Winnipeg. John had an inventive and exceptionally creative mind and was always dreaming up new products, projects and initiatives across a wide spectrum of interests. Although an exceptional student, he never had the chance to attend university as his family did not have the means to support such an endeavor. Instead, as was expected at that time, took the first available job he could get and ended up apprenticing to become a pharmacist. During the Second World War John joined the British Forces at an early age and was posted to Singapore where he was a Sergeant in the Special Investigation Branch of the Military Police. During that time John was involved in helping to undermine organized crime in the "Black Market", breaking up drug and prostitution rings and solving murder investigations. His time in Singapore was life changing and he loved both the people and the country. He longed to return to the "Far East" because he always claimed he felt more at home in the jungle than on the Prairies. Upon returning to Britain after the war he successfully worked for many years for Boots the Chemists in both their human and veterinarian healthcare divisions, which took him all over the United Kingdom. After his adventures in the far-east however, Britain was just too small for such a driven man and he left Scotland in 1953 to interview with the Australian police force. Stopping on his outbound journey to visit his uncle in Neilburg, Saskatchewan, he was taken with the beauty of Canada and his eventual wife to be, Merle Larsen and decided to stay in Canada. Married to Merle, in 1955, they sadly lost their first born son, Bruce Alexander but happily raised two children, John Larsen and Fiona Margaret and were instrumental in the lives of their grandchildren, Stephanie Webster, Chet Mourant, Alexander Webster and Wade Mourant. He was fiercely proud of all of his grandchildren and was always thrilled to see them and hear about their lives and what they were doing. Professionally, working for National Drug, Canada's largest drug wholesaler in the 1950s, John was one of their top salesmen, winning multiple awards for his sales results. His vision and enthusiasm for pharmacy resulted in him becoming Vice President of Sales and Marketing, based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Realizing the great potential for pharmacists to get involved in geriatric care, John left National Drug and started his own company with a pharmacist colleague. That company, now known as Manrex Ltd., continues to remain in the family being run by his children. His work ethic was unparalleled and among many of the important tidbits of business acumen he left behind, one that was used most frequently was "Call me a cab....there is business everywhere"! John was proud of the many new ideas and products he brought to the pharmacy industry globally and the positive impact those products had on healthcare systems around the world and most importantly the increased medication safety he brought to elderly people in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe. If you or any of your family has ever received a medication compliance package from your pharmacist...you owe John a big thank you. He was heavily involved in The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg and was the driving force in the planning, funding and creation of two monuments dedicated to the Scottish Settlers' impact on Winnipeg: The Scot's Monument and The Settlers' Monument both on Waterfront Drive. He was President of the Society in 1978-1979, chairman of the history and heritage committee and was awarded the St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg Citizen of the Year in 2004. John was always keen to see new parts of the world and he and Merle travelled extensively throughout their lives. He was constantly excited about the journey that lay ahead and less than two days before his death was trying to coordinate a trip back to Scotland with all the family! He always wanted to know what was just over the horizon and was always ready to pack up and go. He had many interests and was always eager to get involved, and of course, let you know how it should be done! He will be fondly remembered for his love of his many Jaguar cars, his sail boat at Northern Harbour, his wonderful and classy sense of style and clothing, his love of a good single malt scotch and of course his time at the cottage on Lake of the Woods with the grandchildren. His enthusiasm, creativity, humour, energy and zest for life will be sadly missed by his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, business colleagues and basically everyone he met each day of the week! As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a "Memorial Celebration" of his life will be planned and announced in the future. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to all the team at Deer Lodge Centre. He loved to chat with every one of you and brighten your day with song. The time each of you took to help make his days special did not go unnoticed. Special thanks to all the caregivers on Lodge 2 East and West and finally the SCU team on Tower 3 North. Donations in his honour can be made to a charity of your choice. "Here's Tae us; Wha's like us.....damn few and they're a' deid"
Publish Date: Mar 14, 2015

JOHN HOPE WEBSTER Peacefully in his sleep, on Sunday, March 8, 2015, at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg. John was predeceased by his wife Merle, and his brothers William and Alexander. Left to mourn are his children John (Marie-Pierre), Fiona (Ken), and grandchildren, Stephanie, Chet, Alex and Wade, together with nieces and nephews plus countless friends. A full obituary, with details of the memorial, to follow.
Publish Date: Mar 11, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2015