Obituary of John Chesley Wellon

John Chesley Wellon

August 7, 1940 - June 7, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that the family of John Chesley Wellon announce his peaceful passing in the arms of his loving wife at Western Memorial Regional Hospital on June 7, 2024 at the age of 83. 

Left with fond and loving memories are his wife Ruby; son Bob (Tracey); daughters Michelle (Sylvain) and Nicole (Edward); grandchildren Spencer, Jack, and Ryan; sisters Mary (Don) and Sandra (Derrick); brother Wayne (Linda): brothers in law Mark (Diane) and Jack (Shirley ); sister in law Val; as well as a large circle of family and friends. 

Predeceased by his parents Roy and Alma; sister Elizabeth; brother Bob; father and mother in law Hayward and Ida Rideout; and brother in law Arch. 

John was born in Aspen Cove, Newfoundland and was the oldest of six children. When he was four years old his family moved to Millertown where he lived in a house on the shore of Red Indian Lake. After completing high school he went to college in St. John’s and completed a two year study in Electronics. He accepted a job with Transport Canada which meant six more months of training in Ottawa to become a professional Radio Operator, Electronic Technician, and Weather Observer. After completing training in Ottawa he was posted to Moncton International Flight Service Station and after a short time in Moncton was transferred to an isolated post in Battle Harbour, Labrador.  

After two years working and living in the beautiful Labrador wild, he transferred to Gander International Aeradio. There he met a beautiful, talented co-worker named Ruby Rideout. They began dating, eventually falling in love and were married on August 10, 1966. After a year in Gander he transferred to Deer Lake Flight Service Station where he worked for the rest of his career until his retirement in the early 90’s. 

John loved his work, but nothing compared to his love for Ruby, his children, and grandchildren. Some of John’s passions included a lifetime love of Doo Wop music, an appreciation and love of nature, especially animals and birds. He was a firm believer in making this world a better place and helping his fellow citizens, especially those in need. 

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Acute Care of the Elderly Unit at Western Memorial Regional Hospital, especially nurse Ben Randell, as well as the nurses in the Palliative Care Unit, Dr. Tracey Bridger,  Dr. Jonathan Greenland, Dr. Kate Lafferty and everyone else who played a role in supporting him through his illness.The kindness and compassion you have shown to our family will never be forgotten.

There will be visitation for family and friends on Monday, June 10 from 7-9 pm and again on Tuesday, June 11 from 1-3 pm at Fillatre's Funeral Home, Deer lake Newfoundland. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to the SPCA.