John Hyland
John had a copy of his obituary ready at the time of the interview for this article, that he thought would answer many of the questions he would be asked.  It bears witness to a life filled with service not only to the Knights of Columbus but to the Church and to the community as well. 

It was pretty natural that John would be involved in the Knights of Columbus--his father, Cyril was a Grand Knight and a Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree in the Fox Valley, and so many years ago John began what has now become fifty five years in the Knights.  In that time he has the honor of being the Charter Grand Knight of Council 5458 in LaCrosse and of serving the Order for four terms as District Deputy including a term as New Council Development Director for Universities and Colleges.  He also counts among his friends in the Order Ed Quillin, who served at State Deputy of Wisconsin from 1968-70.  John presented the nomination speech at the State Convention for Ed, offering him to the delegates for the Office of State Deputy.  

Originally from Menasha, John has also lived in LaCrosse, Sturgeon Bay and Menominee as well as Monroe, Michigan and has had the opportunity to be involved with The Knights of Columbus in some of those places.  He graduated Campion Academy in Prairie du Chien and served in Special Services in the U.S. Army where he coached baseball.  He is also the former Commandant and Athletic Director of the Hall of the Divine Child Military Academy in Monroe, Michigan.  He also served for several years in LaCrosse as a baseball, football and basketball coach.  He was also a High School, College and Semi-pro athletic official in Western Wisconsin for many years.  Something of a natural fund-raiser, John has aided several churches to which he has belonged with various events.  He serves at St. Bernard as a Eucharistic Minister and has chaired the summer festival at the parish.  He is currently chair of St. Bernard Mardi Gras dinner, dance and auction. 

An avid golfer and former owner of Royal Scot Country Club, John served for fifteen years as President of the Sturgeon Bay Golf League and founded and presided over the Door County Classic Golf League, and he is former club champion at Cherry Hills in Sturgeon Bay.   In addition, he founded Door Circle Tours, a mini-bus tour company and was highly instrumental in promoting tourism, having been appointed by Governor Lucey to the first Wisconsin Tourism Council.  He also represented Wisconsin on a tourism trade mission to Japan. 

John and his wife, Patricia, have four children.  One daughter has preceded him to heaven. His other children live in Phoenix, Appleton and LaCrosse and have provided them several grandchildren to enjoy.  Patricia worked as an Administrator at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College until her retirement a few years ago.  It is truly a life replete with accomplishments, and we are happy to have John and Patricia as a part of our Knights of Columbus family. 

February 2002