John R. Wilson

Wilson John Richard John Richard Dick Wilson, a 3-time U.S. Olympian and long-time resident of Toledo, passed away December 31, 2008. He died in Franklin, Tennessee. He was 75 years old. Mr. Wilson was born in Washington, Pennsylvania. He joined the Army at age 20, and in 1956, at age 22, he made the U.S. Olympic wrestling team and wrestled in the Games in Melbourne, Australia. He came to Toledo in 1957 to attend UT, where he enjoyed a stellar career as a collegiate wrestler. He earned two more Olympic wrestling berths in 1960 Rome and 1964 Tokyo, placing 4th in 1964. In 1959, he was named the Toledo Times Athlete of the Year. His 32-year career as an educator began at Toledos Rogers High School in 1961. In 1967, Dick became the head wrestling coach at UT. His team won a MAC Conference Championship in 1969, and he was inducted into the UT Hall of Fame in 1980. In 1974, Dick earned a Masters degree in Administration and Supervision from UT. He then served as the Principal of Fayette High School and a teacher and Dean of Students in the Toledo Public School System, from which he retired in 1993. He is survived by sons, Bruce Cathy Wilson, Matthew San Luc Wilson, and Andrew Jui-Ming Wilson; daughters-in-law, Cathy Wilson, San Luc, and Jui-Ming Wilson; grandchildren, Rachel Kimmet, Zachary Wilson, Jasmine Wilson, and Sophie Wilson; brother, Don Wilson. The family asks that contributions in Dicks name be sent to the Alzheimers Association, 2500 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, Ohio, 43615. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Rd. Dicks funeral mass will take place at Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, OH at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. All are welcome to attend. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com