John Alexander WARDROP

1928 - 2021

JOHN ALEXANDER WARDROP August 3, 1928 - August 8, 2021 John was predeceased by his wife, Joy (1984). Peacefully, surrounded by his family at home on De Grassi Point, Lake Simcoe. He is survived by his three children, Elizabeth, Andrew, and Jennifer (Bob); his grandchildren, Allison, Gillian (Brad), Charlie, Harris, Evan, and Johnathan; and his great- grandchildren, Atticus, Elias, Judith, and Lorne. John graduated from Upper Canada College (1946). A long and successful career in the transportation industry culminated in his appointment to the Ontario Highway Transport Board, where he sat on landmark cases which redefined the industry in Ontario. Following his retirement, he re-engaged in the business as the President of Parkview Transit, a school bus enterprise located near his home in Innisfil. He loved working with people, with drivers and all of the members of the community. John knew everyone's name and their story, and he was genuinely interested in all of the people he encountered. His community involvement was extensive. John was a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Association for years, and tirelessly chauffeured patients to their appointments from Barrie to Toronto. One of his most gratifying appointments was serving on the South Simcoe Police Services Board and South Simcoe Police Services Recruitment Committee. Being close to the much admired law enforcement community and its inner workings was gratifying, as were the friendships he made there. He was honoured by the South Simcoe Police Service for his dedication when they named their inaugural watercraft after him the 'John A. Wardrop' (and the subsequent 'Wardrop II') which patrolled and provided service along the shores of Lake Simcoe for many years. John loved to convene and be at the center of the action; he hosted coffee morning open house, 6 days per week for over 30 years at De Grassi, where everyone was welcome, the coffee was hot, and the news and gossip of the day was debated and discussed. Luncheons with his former schoolmates from Upper Canada College at the Badminton & Racquet Club joined two longtime affiliations and maintained lifelong friendships. He leaves us having lived a full, rich life, with his extensive contributions to community and family as a wonderful legacy. A private family service will be held, and a celebration of life at a later time. Donations may be made in honour of John Wardrop to the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation to protect the lake he lived alongside and loved from his childhood. Arrangements entrusted to the Paul F. Kent Funeral Home, Cookstown.