ROBERT JOHN WESELAKE

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ROBERT JOHN WESELAKE November 11, 1947 - July 29, 2016 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of R. John Weselake at home on July 29, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Mary Weselake; his parents-in-law, Harold and Asa Minaker (Gudmundsson); and his brother-in-law Donald Minaker. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Diane and his children, John (Christine) and Sara (Terry); and grandson Arthur. He also leaves his brothers, Jim and Jerry; sisters-in-law, Carol and Dorothy, nieces and nephews; and godmother Jacqueline Thorney Henderson. John was born and raised in Winnipeg. He graduated from St. Paul's High School before studying Fine Arts and Architecture at the University of Manitoba. John was admitted to the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada in 1992. After practicing at Smith Carter Partners, John founded his own practice and worked in conjunction with the Northern Flood Capital Reconstruction Authority (NFCRA), providing architectural services in the North, including the design of schools in York Factory and Fort Alexander. In 1998, he travelled with his family to the Pacific Northwest and worked on projects in Washington State. On his return, he joined the Public Schools Finance Board of the Province of Manitoba, retiring in May as Acting Executive Director. He was honoured to receive the Meritorious Service Award for loyal and devoted service. Throughout his career, John served the architectural profession with integrity and honour, assuming a leadership role within the association as vice president and chair of the discipline committee. He also served on the Board of St. John's-Ravenscourt School as chair of the property committee, during a building phase in the 1990s. During the last several years, John was involved with projects throughout western Canada. John loved the outdoors - from summers as a boy skipping stones at Loni Beach, to sailing Lake of the Woods with his family from their cottage on Clearwater Bay, to tending his beloved property in Headingley. He also loved animals and considered his standard wire-haired dachshunds, Muffin, Emma and Mollie, part of the family. Even during his illness, John always had several projects on the go and was not deterred from engaging in the activities that gave him pleasure. He was a kind and gentle man and instilled in his children life values that would stand them in good stead for their futures, never imposing his will, instead suggesting a path to follow that would help them realize their goals. He had a great appreciation for art and design, and with Diane, delighted in visiting art galleries, museums and buildings of architectural significance during their travels. However the greatest joy in John's life and the achievement of which he was most proud was his family, who adored him. He was so proud of both John and Sara, and of all they accomplished but more importantly, he admired the values they embodied as young adults. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation for the tireless efforts of the doctors and nurses that have provided such compassionate and dignified care during his illness. A funeral service will be held at St. George's Anglican Church, 168 Wilton Street in Winnipeg on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Reception following in the Tamarack Room at the Qualico Family Centre, near the duck pond at Assiniboine Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to pancan.org (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network) or to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.
Publish Date: Aug 6, 2016

ROBERT JOHN WESELAKE November 11, 1947 - July 29, 2016 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Weselake at home on July 29, 2016 surrounded by his family. Longer obituary to follow.

Publish Date: Aug 4, 2016

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2016