Obituary of John William Whylie

WHYLIE, John William: John William Whylie was born in Maldon, St. James, Jamaica on 13 August 1941. He was the son of Clarence Whylie, a Baptist Minister of Religion and his wife Nellie. He was the second with five siblings: Shirley, Lilieth, Clarence, Cheryl and Paul, who are all alive. At five years old, the family moved to Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland. John attended the Savanna-la-Mar Government School and later Calabar High School where he was a part of the Track Team and represented Calabar High School in the 100 metres race in the Annual Schools Athletics Championships. He was also a member of the school choir. John worked at the West Indies Sugar Company, Frome Estate and then as a Sales Representative for a number of Jamaican companies including Desnoes and Geddes Ltd. He then migrated to Canada at age 29, where he worked in a number of positions including miner, courier and baker. He then formed his own company, Why-lie Couriers Ltd. and worked as its Chief Executive Officer for the rest of his working life. He married Sylvia Wallace at age 24, and the union produced two children – Michael and Janice. After separating, he married Marjorie Greaves and that union produced Keisha. His final marriage of 22 years was to Verita Francis. His children have given him two grandchildren – Michaela and Elijah. John was baptized in the Savanna-la-Mar Baptist Church at age 12 and eventually joined the Kingdom Covenant Ministries Church in Mississauga, Ontario where he served as a member of the senior choir and an usher. John loved music and had an excellent tenor voice. As a young man, he was a drummer in a band with his friends. He particularly liked jazz and reggae music as well as old hymns of the faith. He was a passionate gardener, and his friends and family regularly enjoyed the ‘fruits’ of his labour. John loved sports – including athletics, horse racing, ice hockey and soccer. John made friends easily and was always happy and full of joy. He will always be remembered for his kindness as he was quick to offer assistance to all who knew him and his favours extended to those in distress. His willingness to help was the hallmark of his life. He will be sadly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a host of friends. John left us on Friday 15 October 2021 A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Kingdom Covenant Ministries 1224 Dundas Street East, Mississauga, ON L6V 3X2 on Thursday October 28, 2021 at 11:00am COVID 19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Face mask required, Social distancing enforced At the family's request, In-lieu of flowers please donate to the John Whylie Education Fund for his grandchildren https://gofund.me/8f637d14 May his soul rest in peace. *Live Streaming Details Are As Follows* YouTube: Covenant Funeral Homes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF0xYnyv-9z8e3NVco94fXQ Facebook: Covenant Funeral Homes https://www.facebook.com/CovenantFH In accordance with capacity restrictions due to Covid-19, attendance will be restricted to invited guests Funeral arrangements entrusted to Covenant Funeral Homes Inc. (Balmoral Chapel) 2505 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, Ontario M1K 2R1. Telephone: 416-265-2652.