Wilfred Johnstone “John” Wylie

June 12, 1931 - April 10, 2019

Funeral Details: April 14, 2019 between 2 pm and 5 pm Marlowe Restaurant and Wine Bar located at 155 York Blvd, Richmond Hill

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wilfred Johnstone “John” Wylie, age 87, who passed away on Wednesday, April 10th 2019 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie ON after complications following a stroke. He passed peacefully surrounded by family and close friends. John was a cancer survivor and fought hard to the end.

 

Born on June 12, 1931 in Toronto to Fredrick and Doris (Williams) Wylie, John and his brother Len grew up on Webb avenue in downtown Toronto. He moved to Kitchener Ontario upon the passing of his mother at age of 12. He moved to Dwight Ontario with his father in 1947 before returning to Toronto to begin his business career with the hardware and industrial supply company Canfast. He spent over 25 years at Canfast and ultimately retired from work in 2005 at the age of 74. He loved working, selling, meeting clients and keeping busy.  His hobbies in retirement included wood carving, duck and loon carving, target rifle-shooting, and building “things”. He was always tinkering with something.

 

His marriage to Barbara Hogg in 1957 produced sons John Bradley, Robert William and Charles David.  1965 saw John and his family return to Cooper Lake in Dwight where he built the family cottage just down the road from his father’s residence.  Cooper Lake remained a significant cherished retreat for John, ultimately building his retirement home on the very spot where he had helped his father build a guest cabin in the early 1950’s.

 

Both John and his brother Len were veterans of the Royal Canadian Navy and John relished his time in the naval reserve and at the local legion branch in Bracebridge. He was always very active in helping the many sports teams that his sons played on and took an active role as cub scout leader. John will be greatly missed for his gift of epic joke telling.

 

John is survived by sons Brad (Lesley), Bob (Kathy), and David, sister Maureen and honourary son #4 Bobby Forsyth. Gramps will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Devan (Jon), Tom, Mark, Danielle, Shaun and Erin and their mother Cindy. John is also survived by his partner Marilyn Bain of Bracebridge and her family.Sincere thanks to the staff at RVH in Barrie and especially to the kind and dedicated nurses and doctors in the ICU for their care and compassion during his last ten days.

 

We will celebrate John’s life with an informal gathering of family and friends at Marlowe Restaurant and Wine Bar located at 155 York Blvd, Richmond Hill, between 2 pm and 5 pm on April 14, 2019.  The main intersection is at Hwy 404 and Hwy 7 off East Beaver Creek Road. A Toast to John will occur at 3:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome be made to the Ontario Cancer Society www.cancer.ca  or the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/

 

Another event will be planned for later in the summer for John’s friends in Bracebridge and Dwight to honour him at his beloved Cooper Lake.

CONDOLENCES

8 Condolences
  • Mary Anne Fraser
    Posted on: Friday, April 12, 2019 Reply

    My heart is broken, what a terrible loss, Cooper lake will never be the same. So sad for his incredible family,who he loved so very much. I will miss the martinis,the jokes,he would make me laugh till I cried or peed my pants. Our conversations,he knew something about everything. Was always there for everyone. Till we meet again my darling friend.

  • Bob Forsyth
    Posted on: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Reply

    My dearest John,

    You will be so sadly missed. Your love for your family, life and the North was truly inspirational. You were a remarkable man and your love for family and friends will not be forgotten.
    Thank you for the laughs, talks, tears, guidance and most importantly your friendship.
    Love Son #4

  • Julie Freeman
    Posted on: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Reply

    Although we did not have the privilege to know John, there are Wylie family near and dear to my heart. So I know he must have been a fine man. A life well lived indeed. Sincere condolences, Julie and Gord.

  • Sonia Daigle
    Posted on: Saturday, April 13, 2019 Reply

    John, thank you for always making me feel like a Wylie – what an incredibly special honour it is to be a member of this clan. I always looked forward to your biggest welcome hug, great stories, funny jokes & your genuine interest in everything that we were doing. Wylie World North will not be the same without you, but we know you will be shining your bright light upon us as you sit with the stars to watch & cheer our shenanigans in honour to your true Wylie style. XO

  • Sharon Swaffield
    Posted on: Thursday, April 18, 2019 Reply

    Hello Marilyn and Family,
    Although I only knew both of you from living on the first floor of the 391 B condo and we would often meet briefly in the underground garage, I enjoyed our short, pleasant conversations, I want to wish you my sincerest condolences for your loss and I will miss seeing John.

    Sharon – 105

  • Ann Geberdt
    Posted on: Thursday, April 18, 2019 Reply

    You will be dearly missed by many John. So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to all of the Wylie’s. John will always be with you in your memories. Love and hugs Ann

  • Kim Wylie Swain
    Posted on: Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Reply

    I feel a great sadness upon reading this news. The memories I have of my Uncle John have never faded. My sincerest condolences to my Cousins and my Aunt for your deep loss. The picture is from 1964.. Uncle John, Grandpa, my Dad Len and myself.

  • Dorothy Wiley.
    Posted on: Saturday, May 4, 2019 Reply

    Really sorry to hear of my cousin John’s death.
    I met him only once with his lovely partner Marilyn,a couple of years ago when they came on a whirlwind tour of
    Ireland.
    We spent a lovely evening at the hotel they were staying in the night before returning to Canada.
    John was so interesting and full of life in spite of his many health problems.
    May he Rest In Peace.

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