I spent a month with Dr. Wheeler as a junior field assistant in, I believe, his first season back in the Selkirk Ranges after serving as the Director of the GSC.  I had little to offer him except a reasonably strong back and a potential role as bear bait, but he gifted me with a wonderful experience both in appreciating the complex geology of that area and quiet lessons in mountaineering techniques.  My fondest memories of him were his propensity for getting nose bleeds when we went DOWN in elevation and his ability to bathe in glacial outflow streams.  I apologize for this late note.

Oh, the memories of a very special man who will forever live in my mind as one of the most gentle, strong, kind, at times gruff (when one is all of 11 years old!), fair, encouraging, intelligent, an wonderful people to ever grace this planet! You/we are so fortunate to have had this man for so long on this earth. As friend to John's  daughters in the 60's, I learned everything I know about the outdoors, including a passion for the mountains, the woods and OD course, skiing. This continues today, and I do think of him every time I am privileged to be in the outdoors. Thank you, John Wheeler, you are my hero!

My deepest sympathy to Nora and family.  I met my cousin John and Nora first in Dec 2012 and was overwhelmed by their love and generosity. A wonderful man lost to a family and country to which he made a fantastic contribution. I will miss John's great sense of humour.  Love Dean Wheeler and family (your Australian cousins)

J.O. was great!!  I fondly recall him ambling into a talk I gave in Vancouver in 2010 at the age of 86. He loved to listen to others and perhaps it was his greatest strength. I will miss his expertise, knowledge, and most of all, his kindness.

Nora, I was so sorry to learn of John's passing.  John was such a special man and you were such a wonderful couple.  I know you will miss him but hope the memories you have will help.  With much love, Roxanna

My sincere condolences to the Wheeler family. J.O. was a truly remarkable man and geologist. He will always remain a source of inspiration to me.

John was a giant in our profession. His long productive life was an incredible gift to the Geological Survey, to Canada and to all of us who were his associates, To me personally John was a mentor (I was his senior assistant in the Whitehorse area in 1951), a long time colleague and a treasured friend. His passing leaves a large hole in our lives.

John will be missed by all. Having worked with John at the GSC with many of his mapping accomplishments, i will always remember John's patience and determination in getting things done. My condolences to the Wheeler family.

He will be well remembered through the legacy of his wonderful family.

Mrs. Wheeler,Kathleen and Jennifer, my condolences on the loss of Dr. Wheeler

Darell Small, son of Darell and Fern Small.

Dear Nora,
I was so sad to hear today of John's death. I can't imagine the Wheeler home without John's quiet smile and passion for life and adventure. I am sure his zest for life will continue through Kathleen and Jennifer and the grandchildren, and he will be watching over them all from above some mountain top. I ache for you Nora, and hope with time the memories of a wonderful life together will replace the pain in your heart.
With much love Doone and Tim

Nora, Kathleen and Jennifer,
I wanted to touch base with you at the time of John's passing to reflect on some of the wonderful and life-forming trips that we did with John, as kids. 
I remember hiking up the Lions, skipping up the trail, and teasing John for being slow. He, in his experienced way, said nothing, but at the end of a very long day, he was the fast one and we, kids, were more exhausted that we had ever been.
Another memorable trip was the week-long trip to Garibaldi Park. There were many firsts for me on that trip; a float plane ride, a Trapper Nelson frame pack, freeze-dried circular pork chops, and hiking on a glacier.
Now having spent much of my adult life as a mountain guide, I thank John for having been my earliest mentor in the ways of the mountains.
My thoughts are with you.

I was a Junior Assistant in J. O.'s field party of 1965 and retain deeply fond memories of this time, when I was privileged to have the most patient and knowledgeable  boss, geology tutor, and mountaineering instructor imaginable. 
My condolences to the Wheeler family.

OBITUARY

Mr. John Oliver Wheeler

December 19, 1924 – May 24, 2015

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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