What is your first memory of John? Share a favorite memory you have of John. Tell us about a special moment you shared with John. Describe a time when John made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about John? Talk about a shared experience you had with John. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of John. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving John. What is something you learned from John?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

John Oliver WHEELER

Obituary

Guest Book

About

Columbia University

John WHEELER Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on May 30, 2015.

WHEELER, John Oliver
December 19, 1924 - May 24, 2015
Emeritus Research Scientist,
Geological Survey of Canada
Dr. John Wheeler passed away peacefully at Hollyburn House in West Vancouver on Sunday, May 24, 2015. John married the love of his life, Nora (Hughes) on May 17, 1952. He is survived by Nora, their two daughters, Kathleen (Thomas Hunter) and Jennifer (David Crompton), and four grandchildren, Nathan and Jeffrey Crompton, and Whitney and Scott Hunter. Born in Mussoorie, India to Sir Edward Oliver (Surveyor General of India) and Lady Dorothea Wheeler, John attended Shawnigan Lake School on Vancouver Island while his parents remained in India. John began his lifelong love of the mountains in the Rockies at age 10 guided by his grandfather, A.O. Wheeler, a well-known mountain surveyor and co-founder of the Alpine Club of Canada. John was a keen athlete, excelling at rugby as well as hiking, mountaineering and skiing. These pursuits have been passed on to his children and grandchildren. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in Geological Engineering and earned his PhD in Geology from Columbia University in New York. "J.O." had a long and rewarding career with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) during the golden age of geological mapping in Canada. For more than 25 years he mapped mountain ranges in the Yukon and the Selkirk mountains in British Columbia. He enjoyed both the physical challenge and the beauty of working in the mountains. Subsequently he served as Chief Geologist and then as Deputy Director- General of the GSC. As an emeritus research scientist he co-compiled the Geological Map of North America. He was recognized for his work, receiving the Massey Medal (Royal Canadian Geographical Society), the Logan Medal (Geological Society of Canada), and an Honorary Doctor of Science from UBC. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015 at the West Vancouver Yacht Club, 5854 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
www.hollyburnfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John WHEELER's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

January 29, 2016

Melissa (Marshall) koehle posted to the memorial.

December 19, 2015

Dean Wheeler posted to the memorial.

July 9, 2015

Robert Hildebrand posted to the memorial.

12 Entries

Melissa (Marshall) koehle

January 29, 2016

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!

John and I with Bishop Jonas Wheeler's cup

Dean Wheeler

December 19, 2015

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)

Robert Hildebrand

July 9, 2015

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.

Roxanna Mandryk

June 20, 2015

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

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Maurice Colpron

June 5, 2015

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.

Bob Baragar

June 2, 2015

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.

Mike Sigouin

June 1, 2015

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.

David and Susan Lawson

June 1, 2015

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

May 31, 2015

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

Darell Small, son of Darell and Fern Small.

May 30, 2015

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

Alison Andrews

May 29, 2015

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.

Brian Pettitt

May 28, 2015

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.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Funeral Services Provided By

Hollyburn Funeral Home

1807 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7V1J7