John Edward William Wylie

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 5 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 (1958-1978), he responded to approximately 30, 000 calls. The years 1964-1978 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 humor, joked that his career “went to the dogs”. In 1981-1993, 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 honor 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)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Wylie family.