Honourable John J. Wintermeyer

John Wintermeyer’s long career in public life was one that could truly be called “a devoted service to a calling.”

Wintermeyer was born in Berlin (Kitchener) and attended St. Jerome’s High School. He graduated in commerce and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame before attending Harvard Law School. In 1943, he graduated from Dalhousie Law School and he was admitted to the bar in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

Wintermeyer was elected as a City of Kitchener alderman in 1952, and in 1955 he was elected Member of Provincial Parliament for Waterloo North. In 1958, Wintermeyer became leader of the Ontario Liberal Party, a position he held until 1963. As leader of the official opposition in the Legislature, Wintermeyer stressed the need for hospital and medical insurance, education reform, improvements in public services, equality of opportunity and constitutional changes.

Wintermeyer was known as man of deep faith, charity and integrity. He held a Papal Honour – Member of the Order of St. Sylvestre, Sir Knight of Malta; and he held a Civilian Honour – Member of the Military Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. In 1993, he was honoured as Kitchener Citizen of the Year in recognition of his public contributions, and his commitment and dedication to the community. He served on the boards of numerous organizations including St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul, The Working Centre, the Anna Kaljas House, St. John’s Kitchen and Reaching Our Outdoor Friends.

Wintermeyer played an integral role in the development of Hockey Canada, serving as President and Director, and he was Chairman of the Canadian Olympic Hockey Foundation.

In 1994, St. Jerome’s University created the John J. Wintermeyer Chair, and in 2000 the University established the John J. Wintermeyer Lecture in Christianity and Public Policy. In his honour, the City of Waterloo established Wintermeyer Park along the Grand River.