RUPERT WHITEHEAD

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RUPERT WHITEHEAD April 16, 1910 - October 30, 2010 Rupert passed away at the Health Sciences Center on October 30, 2010 at the age of 100 years. Rupert was born on April 16, 1910 in Winnipeg and was well known for his contributions and involvement in the community. Rupert was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne, and is survived by his three sons, Bill (Pam) of Winnipeg, Michael (Cheryl) of Ludington, Michigan and Tim (Shirley) of Winnipeg; three grandchildren: Jennifer (Aran), Allison (Mark) and Stephen and five great-grandchildren. Rupert also cherished nieces and nephews Marilyn, Donald and Davis Whitehead of Calgary, Virginia Brooks-Hill of Revelstoke, and Rob Mathieson of Winnipeg. Throughout his life, Rupert made significant contributions to the sport of figure skating. He became well known in 1932 as Canadian Junior Men's Figure Skating champion and later, as a professional skater and teacher. Rupert was instrumental in the formation of the Winnipeg Ice Club, where he taught figure skating to many who remained lifelong friends. For many years, Rupert provided entertainment for the community and province by producing and skating in Ice Carnivals. Rupert was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Rupert served as the Executive Director of the Manitoba Safety Council and promoted Defensive Driving throughout the Province. After he retired, he remained active in many organizations. He enjoyed writing and produced a number of books. He was a life member of the Winnipeg Winter Club where he was an active skater, curler, swimmer and bridge player. He skated on his 100th birthday at the WWC and the event was aired on National television. Religion has been important in Rupert's life and he was a long-standing member of the Third Order of St. Francis and of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 510 River Avenue, on Wednesday, November 10 at 10:30 a.m. with interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot R3E 0V9. For online condolences please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca. Mosaic Funerals Services 275-5555

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 06, 2010