John Wodak
August 19, 1938 - June 3, 2026
John was born August 19, 1938, and passed away June 3, 2026.
John leaves behind his wife Carol and his stepsons Robert and Christopher (Anne Marie), step grandchildren Sydney [Thomas] and Alexandra, his sister Ruth and her son Jacob (Ella) in Vienna and the sons of his deceased elder sister Eva [Arsen], Marko and Michael (Doreen) in Ontario
John was raised in England, where he attended Cambridge graduating with a PhD in chemistry. He immigrated to the US and then to Canada and moved to Alberta, teaching chemistry at NAIT. He then worked with the government of Alberta as a program planner for Advanced Education. When he retired in 1990, he devoted himself to his advocacy work on behalf of persons applying for a disability pension.
John was the Canada Pension Plan and Disability Advisor for the National ME/FM Action Network and also involved with the Fibromyalgia Society of Edmonton and area.
He was involved with Carol in numerous civil society organizations including the Senior Advocacy and Liaison Team (SALT), the Parkland Institute, Friends of Medicare and Public Interest Alberta.
John was proud of having attended the founding convention of the Alberta New Democrats and worked tirelessly throughout his life to support the ideals and activities of the Federal and Alberta New Democrats.
John received many awards for his diligence in supporting human rights. They include the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal, recognition from civil society organizations and the Alberta New Democrats who made him and Carol Life Members.
John and Carol moved to Sherwood Park in 1996, and John continued his advocacy up until the end of 2025 when his illness prevented his involvement.
John had many interests such as the renovation of his house and playing Contract Bridge. He supported the Edmonton Symphony and donated his comprehensive collection of Mozart recording to them.
John was a kind, caring and patient man, devoted to his wife and family and the community he lived in.
Friends are invited to share memories of John on the memorial website
of Pine Box Funeral (https://www.pineboxfunerals.ca/obituaries).
A celebration of Life will be scheduled in the near future, and an email
from cwodak@techwcs.com will provide the detail.
Care Entrusted to Pine Box Funerals Inc.
pineboxfunerals.ca