It is with deep sorrow that the family of John Wheatley announces his passing. John lived with cancer for more than 13 years, making the most of each day, every day. His capacity to set and achieve goals was fundamental to his extended survival.
John is predeceased by his parents, Alfred Wheatley & Ena (Boyack), and by his brother, Peter. He is survived by his sister, Karen, by his loving wife of 58 years, Rilla, and by their four children: Chris (Kim; Shae-Lynn, Tanner), Alan (Carolyn; Samantha, Ian, Emma, Matthew), Peter (Kristiana; Ariana, Liam), and Janine DeForge (RT; Annie, Emily).
John was well known for being so well spoken: he was always able to balance tact and diplomacy with grace and intention. This fueled his capacity for leadership, be that in his church, his community, or in his personal and professional life. He always had a vision of strong, healthy relationships designed to support individuals and communities alike.
A leader among educators, John's professional career spanned from teacher to principal to superintendent (Lambton County) to school board director (Wellington County). Post-retirement, John was appointed the Executive Director of the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers Association.
His contributions to the communities in which John lived are extensive: he was awarded in 1998 the Silver Meritorious Service award for his years of work with the Easter Seals Society; he belonged to the Optimist Club when he lived in Sarnia, and he was a Rotarian for more than 25 years. His tireless work with Rotary and his commitment to "service above self" earned him the prestigious Paul Harris award in 2009, an award he'd receive three more times in the decade that followed.
John was also an active member of St. Joseph's parish. He helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for community projects, including the planning, development, and building of the new St. Joseph's Catholic Church, as well as the new Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus. In 2009, John was named the Fergus Citizen of the Year.
John's legacy is impressive and lengthy, but his family was perhaps his greatest source of pride and joy. He will be deeply missed and forever treasured.
Funeral details: Visitation will occur on Sunday August 28th at Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home in Fergus from 2-5 pm. John's funeral mass will be held on Monday August 29th in Guelph at 10:30 am at the Church of Our Lady Basilica. This will be followed by a brief interment ceremony at 12 noon at St. Mary's cemetery in Elora, then by a reception at Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home at 1pm (back in Fergus).
In lieu of flowers, John's family has asked that donations be made to Groves Memorial Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society or the Fergus-Elora Rotary Foundation. www.grahamgiddyfh.com
