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JOHN EDWARD WILLIAM WYLIE
Born: Sep 06, 1944
Date of Passing: Jan 15, 2023
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JOHN EDWARD WILLIAM WYLIE
September 6, 1944 - January 15, 2023
John Edward William Wylie passed away suddenly, at his home, on January 15, 2023.
John will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Veryl, of nearly 60 years; his three children, Lance, Darryl (Candace), Lorie (Eddie) along with five grandchildren, Brenten (Phoenix), Brandon, Caitlin, Ryan, and Anna, and one great-grandchild, Ayden.
John was born and lived his entire life in Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (2009) and John (1961). Due to his dad's ill health John began his working career at an early age doing various jobs including that of Free Press Supervisor and Ambulance Attendant with Veteran Prince, Metro and Irish Ambulance Companies.
As an ambulance attendant, he met a student nurse at Grace Hospital casualty who won his heart and married in 1963. As a team, they went on to form "Wylie Ambulance and Rescue Service" (1966) and provided emergency services until 1975 when a city run service was established. There John held the position of Senior Supervisor for three years. Throughout his ambulance career (1958 to 1978), he responded to approximately 30,000 calls. The years 1964 to 1978 were busy, difficult, discouraging years as he lobbied politicians, researched and promoted changes for a more efficient 911 Emergency and Fire Paramedic service. The changes were finally implemented in 1981-82. In 2003, he received a Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition from the fire paramedic service for his contribution towards the advancement of city ambulance and emergency medical services.
John moved on to serve as General Manager of the Winnipeg Humane Society for a brief time where he, with respect and humour, joked that his career "went to the dogs". In 1981 to 1993, his efforts as Safety Manager with Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation led to the implementation of seat belts, child restraints, motorcycle helmet legislation, promotion of Safe Grad Celebrations, Teens Against Drinking and Driving and becoming a spokesperson for United Way.
Utilizing his communication skills John later became a "Greeter" at Walmart (Grant Park and Kenaston). He loved meeting people, especially the children, giving "happy face stickers", reminding them that they "make the world a better place", were "special, precious and were somebody".
He was dedicated to a strong work ethic but his family was most important to him. They were his pride and joy! He was often reminding them "they were loved." Achievements were always celebrated with a cake or restaurant outing. He held his wife and family in high esteem.
John was committed to being an encourager to those he met on a daily basis. As a believer in Jesus Christ as his Saviour, he loved to honour God as an orator of scripture at church functions. John, along with his wife generously shared God's blessing with financial support of Christian ministries including water wells through World Vision and bio sand water filters through Samaritan's Purse for safe clean water for families in other countries.
John has touched many lives over the course of his 78 years and will be sadly missed.
A celebration of John's life will be held at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Monday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Samaritan's Purse water filter project in John's name. (samaritanspurse.ca)
THOMSON "IN THE PARK"
204-925-1120
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2023
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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I am deeply saddened of John's passing. I worked for John in 1973 and also with Winnipeg Ambulance Service in 1975. I alway get a kick the John was always cold, 80 degess and had sweat shirt on ???. - Posted by: Brian Byrne (Friend) on: Jan 30, 2023
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I was always deeply impressed with John's passion and total dedication for his work, and complete empathy for the patients he transported during his ambulance career. His path toward needed improvements to the ambulance system was indeed a struggle made more difficult by the political system of the day, but John persevered, he was never a quitter. Our friendly association was maintained over several years through impromptu coffee meetings as both our time was limited. Eventually we lost touch with each other. My sincere condolences to Verle and family. John was my friend. This is a sad day for me. - Posted by: Brian Cooper (Friend and confidante) on: Jan 22, 2023
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Veryl, our prayers are for you and your family as you navigate life without John. We are grateful for the years as neighbours and friends on McMillan. John had a big personality and a huge love for you and your family. Our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Gary and Mary Reimer (Friends) on: Jan 22, 2023
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So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He my Supervisor in the former Winnipeg Ambulance and in later years before i retired as Chief of the Fire Paramedic Service I had the privilege of presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to him for Service to the Community. RIP John. Jim Brennan - Posted by: Jim Brennan (Friend and co-worker) on: Jan 21, 2023
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So sad to see of John's passing. During my years as a Police Officer John often responded to Ambulance calls and provided excellent service to patients in need. He became more of a friend over the years and I continued to see him after retirement while shopping at Walmart on Kenaston. John always left me with a smile and so many memories of his care for others over the years. Rest in peace John. You more than earned it. - Posted by: Bob Patrick (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2023
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I extend my deepest sympathies to John's wife & family. I first met John in 1964 when I joined the Fort Garry Police Department. John was a very gentle & compassionate person & a true Gentleman. He did a great service the citizens of Winnipeg over the years. Rest in Peace John. - Posted by: Alexander C Stratton (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2023
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I am deeply saddened to learn of JOHN'S passing and offer my sincerest sympathy and condolences to VERYL and the children. I knew JOHN as a business associate in the private ambulance service through which we became good friends. JOHN later worked for me at UNITED TOWING between his postings at WINNIPEG AMBULANCE and MPIC and was a meticulous supervisor with our human relations requirements as well as many other duties he handled with precision. JOHN made the ambulance service available to the citizens of Winnipeg a better resource both as the private sector and when city operated. RIP sir, you will be missed. - Posted by: Garry Leach (Friend, former business associate & employer) on: Jan 21, 2023
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Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
Ph: 2049251120 | Visit Website