John W. Purdy
Our Founder, Our Mentor, Our Friend
March 23, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of John W. Purdy, the founder and long-serving Board Member and former Chairman of Wesgar. John’s passing is a profound loss for our Wesgar family and all who knew him. We will forever be grateful for his vision, leadership, and the warmth and wisdom he shared over the years.
John’s Journey with Wesgar
John’s involvement with Wesgar began over five decades ago. In 1968, he became a shareholder in the company and acquired full ownership from the original founders by the following year. From those early days onward, John worked tirelessly to transform a small sheet metal shop into something extraordinary. As Wesgar’s leader for many years, he guided the company through each stage of growth and change with unwavering dedication and heart.
Visionary Leadership and Innovation
John was a visionary leader who always looked to the future. He championed the adoption of new technologies and processes to improve quality and efficiency in our operations. Under his guidance, Wesgar evolved from a modest local operation into today’s dominant sheet metal fabricator. He approached challenges with creativity and sharp problem-solving skills, constantly finding innovative ways to propel our business forward and set new industry standards.
Commitment to Employees and Culture
People were always at the heart of John’s leadership. He was known for being steady, fair, and even-keeled. He took great pride in our Wesgar family and the many long-serving employees who grew alongside him. John treated everyone at Wesgar with genuine care and respect – he learned our names, celebrated our milestones, and was always ready to listen or offer guidance. By fostering a culture of trust, dedication, and respect, he built a loyal team that has stood the test of time and carries on his people-first values.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
John’s compassion and sense of responsibility extended beyond our company walls. His philanthropic spirit started with his late mother Bea, who founded the Developmental Disabilities Association. John was passionate about his involvement with DDA and immensely proud of his mother's work, a legacy that continues to make a difference in many lives.
He remained active in the community as the founder of a private foundation. He was a willing, trusted mentor to many in the business community. He believed that a successful company should give back and supported numerous charitable initiatives and young entrepreneurs over the years. It inspired those around him to contribute to the greater good, reflecting the same generosity we experienced in the workplace.
Honouring John’s Legacy
As we mourn the loss of John W. Purdy, we also celebrate his remarkable life and legacy. The values and vision he instilled in Wesgar will continue to guide us into the future. Though it is difficult to imagine our company without John’s presence, we will honour him by carrying forward his passion for excellence, innovation, and caring for one another.
We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family and friends. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever be a part of Wesgar’s story and in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of working with him.
Thank you John, for everything you have done for Wesgar and our community.
Share Your Memories
Below, you can share your memories, stories, and condolences. This will be a space for us to celebrate John’s life and his positive impact on each of us. Your words, however brief or detailed, will stitch together a mosaic of him and his life and legacy at Wesgar.
Your Words