Obituary of Herbert John Sayers
Herbert John Sayers, known to many as John, passed away on November 15, 2024, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to helping others. Born in New Westminster, British Columbia on October 9, 1949, John's life was marked by his deep compassion, his love for his family, and his passion for wrestling.
John's devotion to his family was evident in his 42-year marriage to his beloved wife, Valerie Sayers. Together, they created a loving home and shared countless cherished memories. John was a loving stepfather to Sean, Cassandra (Meredith), and Kathy (Shaun). His grandchildren and great grandchildren Sydney, Josh, Krystin, Matthew, Paulina, Zach, Patricia, Aric, Victor, Keagan, Megan, John, Odin, Max, Samantha, Emily, Julian, Xander, LJ, Anya, Makenna, Vittorio, Charlotte, Alekai, Dionysus, and Rowan filled his heart with joy. He had enormous love for his in-laws Linda, Ron, Chris, Kathy, Sherri, and Mark, his extended family, and friends.
Professionally, John dedicated 35 years of his life to Shaughnessy Hospital in British Columbia, where he selflessly assisted staff and patients. Even after retirement, he continued to seek out fulfilling odd jobs, always eager to stay busy and lend a helping hand wherever he could. However, it was in the wrestling world that John truly found his passion and made a lasting impact.
Known as Gentleman Jonathan Sayers and Fuzzy Sayers, John's wrestling career spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the wrestling community. From his early days as a "baby face" to his later roles as a "heel," wrestler, and manager, John's versatility and dedication to his craft earned him the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike. His training with legends such as Stew Hart and Rocky Johnson, as well as his appearances in "Stay Tuned" with John Ritter and Pat Dowber, showcased his talent and passion for the sport.
Beyond the ring, John's contributions to the wrestling world extended to his writing for Slam Wrestling and Fuzzy's Forum, where he shared his insights and experiences with a wide audience. His inclusion in the (Un)Controlled Chaos book further solidified his place in wrestling history, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to admire and learn from.
John's faith and unwavering commitment to helping others defined his life. A faithful Christian, he lived by the principles of kindness, compassion, and generosity, always extending a helping hand to those in need. His gentle and kind heart touched the lives of many, especially those on the margins of society. Whether it was sharing a meal, giving away his possessions, or donating to Siloam Mission and other food security programs, John's selflessness and generosity knew no bounds.
A memorial service will be held at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Winnipeg on December 13th at 11:00 am, followed by a celebration of life reception in the hall. The outpouring of love and support from family and friends during John's final days brought comfort and solace to him and his family, and their kindness will always be remembered and cherished.
In honor of John's life and his dedication to helping others, donations to Siloam Mission or other food security programs are encouraged. John's legacy of love, compassion, and selflessness will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to have known him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, wrestling family, and fans, as well as anyone who had the privilege of crossing paths with this remarkable man. Herbert John Sayers leaves behind a profound and enduring impact that will forever be remembered with love and gratitude.