PETER WHITEHILL

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PETER WHITEHILL It is with deepest sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Peter Whitehill on November 9, 2017. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Don (Lorene), daughter Donna Shaddock (Mark); grandchildren, Jeff Shaddock (Candace) Steve Shaddock (Andrea), Laurel Whitehill (Pier-Luc) and Ariel Whitehill (Mike); and great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Elizabeth and Alexandra. Peter was predeceased by daughter Valerie, and in 2015 by his beloved wife, Lillian. He was also predeceased by his parents David and Margaret, sister Margaret McClintock, and two brothers, David and James. Peter was born on June 28, 1922 and grew up in the Elmwood area. When the Second World War began he was hired by MacDonald Aircraft. It was there that he met his sweetheart, Lillian Morley. He signed up with the R.C.A.F. and received his pilot's wings in 1943. Peter and Lillian were married just months before he was sent overseas. He was seconded to the Royal Air Force in Burma where he flew Dakotas helping to supply the British Army. His wartime experiences left him profoundly anti-war. To hear Peter speak about some of his experiences go to: http://www.thememoryproject.com/stories /2492:peter-whitehill/ Peter returned to Canada in January, 1946 in ill health due to the deplorable living conditions in Burma; but he and Lillian were very happy to welcome their first child, Valerie in 1947. They were heartbroken when she died at the age of 22 months. It took them many years to pay off the medical bills for Valerie and surgery that Peter needed a short time later. That experience led Peter to be a fervent supporter of Universal Health Care. Peter had a great love of children and they seemed to naturally gravitate towards him. He was a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather and so proud of his whole family. He took great interest in all of his grandchildren's activities. He and Lillian were also both wonderful caregivers to his father and her mother. Amazingly, they continued in those roles into their 80s. Peter worked for the CNR for over 30 years as an electrician and then electrical foreman working on diesel engines. After retiring in 1981 he took up oil painting and he produced many paintings which were much admired. Peter had a lively imagination and wit. He enjoyed many happy family times at the cottage at Ingolf, Ontario where he could always find jobs to do. Peter was a multi-talented handyman who could fix just about anything. His first comment on moving to Concordia Place was "Well, I guess I'd better have my toolbox". In 2009, Peter and Lillian moved from their long time Moncton Avenue home to Concordia Village where they quickly made many good friends and enjoyed good times. Peter and Lillian were devoted to one another. They could always make each other laugh. He was devastated at her loss but fought hard to regain his usual sunny attitude. His greatest joys were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was the thought of meeting his newest great-granddaughter, Alexandra that kept him going over the last while and happily, he did get that chance. The whole family was able to visit and tell him of our love for him in the days before his passing. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. The family wishes to thank the wonderful Home Care staff at Concordia Village for the excellent care given to Peter over the past few years. We would also like to thank the staff of Concordia Hospital for their professional care of Peter. Also, our very great thanks to the staff of Concordia Place for making Peter feel at home during his brief stay there. If desired, donations in Peter's name may be made to any of the following: The Concordia Foundation, The Memory Project, The Children's Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. A come and go reception in celebration of Peter's life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 20, 2017 at Wheeler Funeral Home, 1800 Day St., Winnipeg. Funeral Arrangements in Care of: Wheeler Funeral Home Cemetery & Crematorium 1800 Day Street - 204-224-1525 Please sign the book of memories at www.wheelerfuneral.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 18, 2017