John A. Wey

In the song of life, John Anthony Wey was surely the composer. A very observant man who would rather spend his time creating than talking, John preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense. In fact, he depended on his sensory world to provide him with concrete data. A free spirit, John believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything he did. John perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to him, yet he lived with a definite sense of purpose. He was a man who was always ready to share his creations with those around him.

His parents were Walter and Anna Wey. John was raised in Chicago, Illinois. As a young child, John was optimistic in his outlook. He sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply his creative energies. John rarely calling attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, John showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with one sibling. He had one brother, Walter. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, John developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, John liked concrete things. He was a Boy Scout. In his spare time he liked collecting stamps. However, to John, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, John showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in the arts. At times, school learning did not provide John with sufficient challenges, but being an avid reader, he could often be “lost in a book” well above his grade level. His passion for fine arts was so keen that fellow students and even his teachers recognized it. He graduated from Depaul Academy in 1949. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

In college, John showed that he was able to focus on what was necessary. He found it quite easy to dive headlong into classes, especially those that truly interested him. Using his understanding of language, John was able to move comfortably through a wide variety of courses. He also demonstrated his artistic temperament and talent, even in classes that weren’t typically considered art courses. John’s ability to assemble highly creative projects became second nature to him. He earned his Bachelor Degree in Mathematics.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, John had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned.

John was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. John was blessed with three children, three daughters, Anna, Judith and Suzanne.

John found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was a land surveyor. He was employed for as a surveyor for forty years. John tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

John was an Army veteran. He was stationed in Alaska. John’s fellow soldiers saw him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

John enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite hobby was stamp collecting. John was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Throughout his life, John was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout his later years, John was an active member of the Swiss Club, Knights of Columbus and the Moose Club. He had a tendency to bring peace to his relationships by avoiding disagreements.

John was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he took an active role in his community. A loyal contributor, John was comfortable in the role of a team player. John was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Holy Name Society. John was able to serve his community well, thanks to his open mind and faithful commitment.

John’s faith was important to him. He was a member of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church for 11 years. During that time, he was Treasurer of the Holy Name Society. John's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his religion, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

Because he loved the world around him, John enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. John put his personal trademark on any leisure planning that he undertook. Favorite vacations included trips to Chicago.

When John’s retirement finally arrived in 2000, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Henderson, Nevada. In retirement, he found pleasure in staying active in church and going to Mass every morning. Even in retirement, John continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. In these later chapters of his life, he became active in the community, feeling fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him and simply enjoying what he had worked so hard to attain.

John passed away on October 1, 2011 at St. Rose Siena in Henderson, Nevada. He is survived by wife, Phyllis, brother Walter (Ruth), daughters, Anna, Judith & Suzanne, grandchildren Amanda, Kelly, Daniel, Nathan, Nicholas, Erika, Bianca, Alissa, Cassie, Andrew and Izabella. Services were held at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Henderson, Nevada. John was laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in River Grove, Illinois.

John was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. John always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. John was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember John Anthony Wey.

Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, Las Vegas, NV.