If royalty is famous for remembering names and faces, then the Town of Innisfil has lost a member of its royal family with the passing of John Alexander Wardrop.
Wardrop died Aug. 8, just days past his 93rd birthday.
A resident of Degrassi Point in Innisfil, Wardrop was a strong contributor to the community up until his death.
Wardrop’s primary career was in the transportation sector, where he served on the Ontario Highway Transportation Board. Upon 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 with the amalgamation of the Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury police departments. Wardrop served as a member of the police services board, at one point filling the role of vice chair, as well as numerous other roles.
Bruce Davis was South Simcoe’s first police chief, but his connection with Wardrop predated the formation of the new police force, back in the days when Bradford police, Ontario Provincial Police and Innisfil police all patrolled the area.
“The first time I met John was on an afternoon when I was prosecuting traffic court for the Bradford police,” Davis remembered, adding even then Wardrop 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) 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” South Simcoe police as one of his causes.
“He was always there. Whether it be for the traffic squad, the canine unit (or) 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 Service, which named its first marine vessel The John A. Wardrop, and its replacement, The Wardrop II.
Wardrop loved the marine unit and was proud of the honour, Davis noted. When the “unofficial mayor of Degrassi Point” was out walking on the lakeshore, the officers on the police boat would be sure to sound its horn or siren.
“John would always wave back," Davis said.
The former police chief said he was "very, very humbled and proud" to call Wardrop 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 Rick Beazley, another former police chief, the marine unit was his introduction to the man it was christened for.
“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 II. That officer sensed I didn’t understand, so he took me on an unplanned tour of Lake Simcoe in Marine 1,” Beazley said. “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.”
That meeting took place about a week later when Wardrop dropped by the police force's 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,” Beazley said. “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 Wardrop 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 Beazley.
“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," the former chief added.
Current South Simcoe 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.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend, John Wardrop," he added. "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 ended, Wardrop remained engaged and attended every policing event, from awards nights to swearing-in ceremonies for new police officers.
Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin said she will miss Wardrop.
“I will greatly miss John’s sage advice in the comfort of his kitchen over a cup of coffee,” said Dollin, referring to his legendary early morning gatherings held at his Degrassi Point home. “He cared deeply about his community. I will remember his quiet and logical approach, and his wonderful smile.”
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 his memory can be made to the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation.
Said 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.”
