DONALD LESLIE WHELLAMS

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DONALD LESLIE WHELLAMS December 11, 1913 March 29, 2012 Dad passed away peacefully on the morning of March 29, 2012 in the St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit at age 98. He was predeceased by his wife Florence and his son Brian. He is lovingly remembered by his son Kenneth, daughter-in-law Lorraine, granddaughters Melissa (Sachin Bhardwaj), Alison (Ray Raymond), great-grandson Lincoln Raymond, as well as daughter-in-law Sharon Whellams and grandson Andrew Whellams. Dad was born in Winnipeg and grew up in North Kildonan where his father owned a large market garden. Dad always believed that he was just an ordinary man, but to those who knew him, he was extraordinary. While still a young boy, he developed a passion for aviation. His Uncle Leslie in England had sent him literature on aircraft construction and he, along with some friends, built a single seat Pietenpol aircraft in 1934 from odd parts bought with their pocket money. This aircraft was actually flown by a pilot friend on several occasions. He continued his passion with aviation by working for Canadian Airways for four years. Being ordinary to Dad meant joining the RCAF from 1939-45, serving his country in both England and Burma where he earned his stripes as a Flight Sergeant. Being ordinary to Dad meant going above the heads of his commanding officers and grounding an entire squadron. Dad knew the fuel was dirty and grounding the aircraft until the problem was solved was just the right thing to do. Doubtless many lives were saved. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for his distinguished service. In 1942, this ordinary man married Florence Botchett and was her faithful partner for 67 years. In his most ordinary way, he took loving care of her in her last years of life. To the staff of the Donwood Nursing Home, his dedication was extraordinary, but to those who knew and loved him, this is just how Dad always was. Dad and Mom raised a family together in Winnipeg. He worked as a machinist for the CPR until his retirement at age 60. But his love of aviation continued and he earned his glider pilot's license in the 1960s. Later in life his skills as a machinist and aviator became invaluable to the Western Canada Aviation Museum where he worked as a volunteer restoring vintage aircraft. Though many of Dad's hobbies continued to be linked to aviation, he also was an avid skier, fisherman, hunter of waterfowl, gardener and golfer. He was thrilled to have golfed his age at 96 years old and beat his son at the game all on the same day! Dad's family and friends will remember him for the many fine qualities he possessed. He was a man of integrity, loyalty and honour. He remained humble regardless of his achievements in life. He was adventurous and courageous, creative, innovative, resourceful. If he were not able to find something he needed, he would just make it in his machine shop himself. One could always find him tinkering in his workshop or garage, fixing a neighbour's lawnmower or a child's bicycle part. He never stopped challenging himself both physically and mentally, continuing to do his daily regimens of push-ups as well as a daily walk right to the end. As an elderly gentleman at Donwood Manor, he beat both of his grand daughters at the game of pool. He was a spry gentleman with a twinkle in his eye, a quick wit, and the ability to make others laugh as well as laugh at himself. His kindness ran deep and was extended to all who knew him. He touched the hearts of many and this ordinary man will be greatly missed. At Dad's request there will be no ceremony to celebrate his life, but in honour of our Dad, please take a moment to remember all the wonderfully ordinary people in your life. You might just discover how lucky you really are to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard. A most sincere thank you to special friends Sophie Dykstra and Lillian Storsley as well as to Dad's niece, Beryl and her husband Paul Magel. A special thanks is extended to the wonderful staff at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit for the care and kindness shown to Dad in his last days. Memories may be shared with the family via whellams@telus.net.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 28, 2012