Dr E. John Wilford, 1921–2014

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 56, No. 10, December 2014, Page 500 Obituaries
By: Ted Wilford, MD,

portrait of the late Dr.Wilford
Dr E. John Wilford was born in Cheng-du, China, where his parents Edward Corry Wilford (surgeon) and Claudia (musician) were missionaries. Before he left China at age 15, John became proficient in English, French, and Mandarin. He finished high school in Toronto and attended the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto where he met his bride to be, Agatha Tate.

John and Agatha were married on 22 December 1945 and interned at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. With the rest of their medical school class, they became officers in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps during the Second World War and were discharged in September 1946. They moved to Chilliwack and set up a busy general practice. Dr Wilford maintained his practice until 1987. He continued to do locum work in Chilliwack until he was 80.

Dr Wilford was active for many years with the then-BCMA. He also committed much time to his community through Rotary, the United Church (choir and scouting), and barber shop quartets.

Never resisting a chance to be with family and friends, John was loved by many. He had a positive outlook, always a humorous quip, and seemed able to talk with anyone about anything.

For the 12 years following Agatha’s stroke until she passed away in January 2014, John was by her side. Five months after Agatha’s death, John suffered a stroke and, after a few days, passed away—sharp until the end, he maintained his sense of humor. He was a loving and generous husband and father, good friend to many, a respected doctor, and a role model to us all.

John was predeceased by Agatha (his wife of 68 years), his parents, two sisters, and grandson, Johnny Wilford. He is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren, one step-grandson, and two great-grandchildren.
—Ted Wilford, MD
Nanaimo

Ted Wilford, MD,. Dr E. John Wilford, 1921–2014. BCMJ, Vol. 56, No. 10, December, 2014, Page(s) 500 - Obituaries.


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Joyce Tonn says: reply

I had been asked by my sister if Doctor John Wilford still alive ? I did not know so I googled his name. Everyone in my Noddin family were patient of Wilford. Not sure how old I was when we came from New Brunswick,it was either 1951 or in 52. Wilford did deliver my 2 sisters and my brother. Doctor Wilford was the best doctor we have ever had. He was also my husband's family doctor. He delivered our 3 children and was there for us when our daughter died at 9 months old. Plus he helped me get through the 2 miscarriages that I had. I know he has been gone for a long time now but I just had to let you know how we feel about him. Thank you Mrs. Joyce Tonn

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