The Footscray scouting community recently lost a leader, a friend and a father in John Wightwick OAM, Honorary Commissioner, Scouts Victoria.
Two of his children, Michelle Wightwick and Matthew Wightwick, recalled their father’s long list of accomplishments which led them to loving scouting just as he did.
John began his scouting career as the group leader of 2nd Footscray Scout Group, a role Michelle has now taken over.
In 2012 John became the District Commissioner of Kariwara District and was later presented with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2022 for service to youth through Scouts.
Adding to his accomplishments, last year John received the Silver Kangaroo for his contribution to scouting, the highest service award for a leader, which Michelle said he was very pleased with.
Besides the awards and recognition, Michelle said her father’s passion lay with the children.
“It was the people, he had a lot of support and a lot of friendships over the years,” she said.
“When he first started there was a group of older, retired Scouts called ‘dad’s army’. He became a dad’s army apprentice because he was a little bit younger and those friendships continued for many years.”
John also loved sharing his passion with his family, getting his kids and his wife heavily involved in Scouts.
“We all went through the different stages of Scouts and went on so many different adventures, and I think that was really encouraging for him,” said Matthew.
“To be able to provide that for not only his children, but a lot of other people’s children was something he was proud of.”
John leaves behind Matthew, Michelle and Robert and his daughter-in-law Gemma.
A service to celebrate the life of John Wightwick OAM was held on Tuesday, March 26.
