If Royalty is famous for remembering names and faces, then the Town of Innisfil has lost a member of its Royalty, with the passing of John Alexander Wardrop on Aug. 8, just days past his ninety-third birthday.
John Wardrop was a resident of Degrassi Point in Innisfil, and a strong contributor to his community, up until his passing.
Wardrop’s primary career was in the transportation sector, where he served on the Ontario Highway Transportation Board. On retirement, he embraced a new career as president of Parkview Transit, helping to shape the people-oriented philosophy of the school bus company.
He was also a volunteer driver for the Canadian Cancer Society, but it was his role on the Police Services Board and the South Simcoe Police Service Recruitment Committee, that brought him the greatest satisfaction.
The South Simcoe Police Service was created in 1995 by the amalgamation of the Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury police services. Wardrop served as a member of the BWG-Innisfil Police Services Board, at one point filling the role of vice chair, and numerous other roles in promoting and supporting the local police.
Bruce Davis was South Simcoe’s first Chief of Police, but his connection with John predated the formation of the new police force, back in the days when Bradford Police, OPP and Innisfil Police provided policing in the area.
“The first time I met John was on an afternoon when I was prosecuting traffic court for the Bradford Police,” Davis remembered. Even then, John was a supporter of the police. “He was helping an OPP officer with some juice cases, which he had donated.”
There was an instant connection.
“He knew a distant relative (of mine) who was with the Toronto Police, that he had assisted with community events in the past,” Davis said. “John was always helping everyone, but especially the police who were helping members of the public.”
Davis spoke glowingly of Wardrop, both personally and professionally.
“John was a kind person and a very dedicated individual, especially to his community,” he said – but noted, “you couldn’t try to put anything over on John! He was dedicated, knowledgeable and caring, but also strict in his views and principles.”
Wardrop “adopted” the South Simcoe Police as one of his causes. “He was always there, whether it be for the traffic squad, the canine unit, the marine unit – John always gave his support professionally and financially,” Davis said.
Wardrop’s passion and support were recognized by the South Simcoe Police, which named their first police vessel The John A. Wardrop, and its replacement, The Wardrop II.
John loved the marine unit and was proud of the honour, Davis noted. When the “unofficial mayor of Degrassi Point” was out walking on the Point, the police boat would make a point of sounding its horn or siren - and “John would always wave back."
Davis added, “I was very, very humbled and proud to call him a friend. John was always there through the years, whether it be driving for the Cancer society or supporting police efforts – and he was always there in the mornings, when you could drop by, no matter who you were. The coffee was always on.”
For former Chief Rick Beazley, the police boat was the introduction to the man.
“Shortly after I began as Chief of South Simcoe Police (in 2012), one of my officers asked me if I had been on the ‘Wardrop 2.’ That officer sensed I didn’t understand, so he took me on an unplanned tour of Lake Simcoe in Marine One,” said Beazley. “I learned about the history of the unit and equally, about the person whose name was proudly displayed on the boat.
“The officer spoke of John’s many contributions to the community and what a fine man he was. I had to meet Mr. Wardrop.”
The meeting took place a week or two later, when John dropped by the North Division station in Innisfil to say hello to the new chief.
“John immediately put me at ease, showing sincere interest in my origins, family and in my policing career,” said Beazley. “Whenever we met, he recalled the most minute details about me as a person and more, all from that first conversation. He would follow up with his unwavering support and admiration for the South Simcoe Police and its members… a real, genuine person.”
Beazley called John shortly before his passing, to wish him a happy birthday. “When he took the phone, he said, “Hi Rick, how are you?” I hadn’t talked with him in a while, but it was as if we had just spoken yesterday,” said the former chief.
“That was John Wardrop – sharp as a tack. And he just made you feel good. I will always remember him as a gentleman and a kind person.”
Current Police Chief Andrew Fletcher also spoke of Wardrop’s unwavering support, and remarkable ability to remember even casual acquaintances.
“John was always cheerful and light-hearted, and amazingly remembered the names of everyone he met,” said Fletcher. “John had a close connection to the South Simcoe Police Service and was a huge supporter and personal friend to many members, both past and present.”
He added, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend, John Wardrop… Our police service and the community will miss his positive, inspiring presence but his amazing spirit will always live on in our many fond memories.”
Even after his term on the Police Services Board expired, Wardrop remained engaged, attending every policing event, from awards nights to swearing-in ceremonies for new police officers. BWG Mayor Rob Keffer, who currently represents his municipality on the Police Services Board, met Wardrop at a number of those events.
“John Wardrop was a very strong supporter of the South Simcoe Police Service,” said Mayor Keffer. “Whenever we met, whether it was welcoming new recruits or Civilian Awards or recognizing the Auxiliary officers, John Wardrop always wanted to chat and talk about the great work the service was doing. He was a friendly advocate of our service.”
“I will greatly miss John’s sage advice in the comfort of his kitchen over a cup of coffee,” said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, referring to Wardrop’s legendary early morning (7:30 a.m.) open houses, held at his Degrassi Point home. “He cared deeply about his community. I will remember his quiet and logical approach, and his wonderful smile.”
“I really enjoyed talking to him,” said former Innisfil Councillor Rod Boynton. “He was a very, very smart man, who had a very clear understanding of how things worked, and sometimes didn’t work. He was just a wonderful man. We could use more like him.”
John Alexander Wardrop is survived by his children Elizabeth, Andrew and Jennifer, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
The funeral was private, with a Celebration of Life planned for a later date. Donations in memoriam can be made to the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation.
“I was saddened to hear of John’s passing,” said Bruce Davis. “He will be missed – and I still think that if you cruise around the Point on the Wardrop II and toot on the horn or siren, if you look closely you will see John wave back. Unless of course he’s helping someone else…”
