1942 – 2024.

Pratten Park Magpies are saddened to advise that John Wiles passed away yesterday, 23 September, aged 81. John had recently contracted Covid, which initiated a ‘downward spiral’ in his health over the last 4 or 5 weeks. 

 JW was a lifelong supporter of our Club and was Black and White to his core. A great Magpie who very generously gave so much of his time as well as considerable resources and finances to the Magpies, particularly when we were fighting for our survival back in the 1980s. 

 John served on the inaugural Pratten Park Magpies Committee in 1986, a position he held for 30 years until his retirement in 2016.

Nath Cole, Yvonne, Jack Thompson, John Wiles and Trevor Cogger.

Photo taken (July 2024) at Budgewoi Soccer Club.

 

John Wiles has been described as one of the most generous –  in terms of time & money – supporters the Wests Magpies have had.

 A lifelong follower of the Magpies, John had a printing business & stepped forward in 1983 when the club was fighting for its place in the competition, to offer to do whatever he could. His assistance with printing requirements was invaluable & continued for many years.

In 1987 when Wests moved from Lidcombe to Campbelltown, John took a box at the then Orana Park. Many happy afternoons were enjoyed by John & his mates in the typically full to overflowing facility. It was a popular place to be.

 

John was always more than happy to help on our Reunion day. Seen here with Nath Cole and Mick Liubinskas.

For many years up until our recent Reunion, John willingly organised the printing of our Reunion publication.

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CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JOHN WILES.

A Celebration of the Life of John Wiles will be held on Thursday, 3 October, at the Oxley Room, St Mary’s Leagues Club commencing 11.30 am to 2.30 pm. It will be a time for everyone who knew JW to come together and share memories and stories of him.

 John’s Family has specifically requested that we wear either Wests Magpies or Wests Tigers colours. 

To assist with catering, if you will be attending, please contact Nathan Cole 0418119845 by Monday the 30th of September. 

For those unable to attend, you may wish to email a Tribute to Rick Wayde at  rwayde@hotmail.com  so it may be included in a footy Eulogy during the afternoon.

The Pratten Park Magpies Memorial Sash will be presented to Maureen and Family at commencement of proceeding.

 

‘Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends’. – Yeats.