Obituary announcement for old comrade John P. Wolfe Maj Gen (Ret'd)

May 02, 1924 - February 26, 2017
John went to war as an underage soldier in 1941. During the war he went through terrible experiences - like all war veterans. He himself was injured by an exploding shell in Normandy and suffered the consequences of that shrapnel for the rest of his life. His academic achievements are particularly worthy given that he left high school to join the war effort. On return from war to Canada, he re-joined the military entering their university training plan and ultimately won the Gold Medal for Law from the University of Manitoba. He later returned to studies to obtain his Master International Law from King's College, University of London, UK. driven, passionate, private, and acerbically witty man - John (or Jack to friends) came from humble beginnings in Winnipeg Manitoba, an adopted boy raised mainly by his father. John was a man of serious convictions and principles - still, he lived most days enjoying a good chuckle with loyal companions and family.

His academic achievements are particularly worthy given that he left high school to join the war effort. On return from war to Canada, he re-joined the military entering their university training plan and ultimately won the Gold Medal for Law from the University of Manitoba. He later returned to studies to obtain his Master International Law from King's College, University of London, UK. As a lawyer within the Canadian Armed Forces his career took him all over the world. He represented Canada at the Geneva Conventions and other conferences across the globe. He was ultimately promoted to Judge Advocate General of Canada with the rank of Major General. Soon after leaving the military, he became Chairman of the Canadian Pension Commission in PEI. During his career he contributed to a number of developments in Canadian military law, United Nations agreements on Laws of War and while in Tanzania he was a major author in the National Defence Act for Tanzania. He was appointed to the Queen's Counsel (QC) for these accomplishments and received many other recognitions over his years.

Aside from his academic and professional credits, he was infamous for his wit and charm in social circles and with his family. John did not do anything in moderation - a hard worker professionally and in the home (many renovations!), a voracious reader, lover of music and the arts. Mostly, he loved to be with family and friends sharing food, drink and a lot of laughter. Many knew John as the decisive, strong and convicted soldier/lawyer. But he was a romantic at heart and would melt over music, art, poetry and family. His first wife Catherine was with him through law school, 4 children and many years before she passed. Emily and John married later in life, bringing John Francis, his only son. And so, his heirs are grateful for his many talents and interests, as they share passions for comedy, music and the arts. He leaves behind five children (Andrea (spouse Jack Little), Dr. Cathy (spouse Michael Cullen), Lorraine (spouse Phillip Schatz), Leslie (spouse Brian Sneddon) and John), six grandchildren (Mark & Brette, Megan, Katie, Matthew and Melanie) and three great grand children.John was definitely his own man - and he will be greatly missed.

I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter. Winston Churchill

A memorial service will be held in Victoria, BC, on March 18, 2017, between 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Please contact a family member if you are interested in attending.

If you wish to make donations you can make them to: The Mustard Seed 625 Queens Ave., Victoria BC, V8T 1L9. mustardseed.ca Gifts $20 and over will be acknowledged with an official receipt. Registered Charity #11924 6213 RR001

Donor cards will also be available at the memorial service/tea.

Published in The Times Colonist on Mar. 4, 2017