‘He gave as long as he could’: Winnipeg philanthropist John Buhler dies at 91

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Peggy

John Buhler, a prominent entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist in Winnipeg, is being remembered as a hard-working family man who thought of others before himself.

Bonnie Buhler, his wife of more than 40 years, told CBC News her husband died at a care facility in Winnipeg on Saturday night after suffering from a stroke in the last weeks. He was 91 years old.

“We did everything together,” Bonnie said. “He just adored spending time with his family.”

“He worked hard all his life, and he just continually gave, and he gave as long as he could.”

Buhler’s desire to help other stems from his upbringing, Bonnie said. Having growing up in a poor family, Bonnie said he “realized what an impact it could make” by helping others.

His business career started with the purchase of Standard Engine Gas Works, a Morden, Man., company that he turned into a “manufacturing empire” for farm machinery over the decades, and later renamed as Buhler Industries, archives from Manitoba Business Hall of Fame say.

Buhler’s name and philanthropic work are tied to hospital buildings, post-secondary institutions, and even a hall at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. The impact of his work lead him to become the recipient of the Order of Canada in 2012.

Two men in suits do a hand shake. — John Buhler was presented with the Member of the Order of Canada medal by Governor General David Johnston in 2012, one of many recognitions for his work as an entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist. (Fred Chartrand/The Canadian Press)

Lloyd Axworthy, former federal cabinet minister and member of parliament for Winnipeg-Fort Garry, said Buhler’s business was a “leading employer” in the area around the 1980s when the two met.

But Axworthy worked closer with Buhler years later at the University of Winnipeg, where Buhler and his wife supported nursing and business programs with donations.

“He sold his business and had accumulated capital, he really put it to work,” Axworthy said.

A spokesperson for the University of Winnipeg said campus flags will be lowered in honours of Buhler, who ‘made a lasting impact” in the lives of students including through a $4 million donation to build the Buhler Centre — home of the business, economics, and professional programs faculty at the school.

But beyond his philanthropic character, Axworthy said Buhler had a “very exuberant personality” being also always caring and conscious about other people’s feelings.

“He will be remembered [as] one of the people who helped build the province in many ways,” he added.

Buhler ‘a dreamer who was not afraid’

Mayor Scott Gillingham said the businessman played a leading role in building the city’s capacity to become a modern centre for the agricultural business — one of his “remarkable contributions” to Winnipeg and part of his lasting mark.

The contributions from Buhler and his wife have “profoundly shaped” Winnipeg, Gillingham said, while their kindness and dedication have “inspired countless others to give back and make a difference.”

“John Buhler will be greatly missed,” Gillingham said, but he will be remembered “as a dreamer who was not afraid to dream big dreams and to see them through to reality.”

Bonnie said a private family service will be organized in her husband’s memory. He leaves behind five children, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.