VICTOR DENNIS WHITTINGHAM

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VICTOR DENNIS WHITTINGHAM After a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis, Victor Whittingham passed away on Monday, November 15, 1999 at the age of 42 years. He is mourned by his wife Peggy, of Minnedosa; his brother James (Jim) of Airdrie; his mother Annabelle and sister Betty Anne, both of Carberry and his brother Doug of Saskatoon. Also survived by in-laws, Mel and Ivy Mummery of Minnedosa; brothers-in-law, Dale Jaszen of Carberry, Bob Mummery of Minnedosa, Bruce Mummery of Albany, Mark Mummery of Calgary and sisters-in-law, Ramona Whittingham of Airdrie, Shirley Mummery of St. Albert and Marva Mummery of Minnedosa. He will also be remembered fondly by his great aunt Hilda Whittingham of Winnipeg; as well as his many cousins, nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives, friends and co-workers. He was predeceased in 1996 by his father Douglas Whittingham, C.D., 12th Field Co. Engineers 1st Division. Victor was born in Winnipeg on May 8, 1957, just minutes after his identical twin James arrived. During his early years, he moved when his family was transferred to RCAF Station Saskatoon and RCAF Station Gimli. When he was eight years old, his father retired from the Armed Forces and moved the family to Peguis (Hodgson, Mb.) Victor received his schooling at Peguis Central and graduated in the Class of 75 at Fisher Branch Collegiate. Always interested in nature, Victor enjoyed his summers from 1974-78 as a youth working at Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP). First, in their conservation corps program followed by seasonal work on the public trail systems and measurements with Parks Canada. During the off season, he could be found at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Winnipeg where one shift, as a cook, he was given a two thumbs up review by the Colonel himself. In October 1979, at age 22, he married Peggy Mummery, of Minnedosa. The couple moved to Lethbridge in January 1980, where Victor studied Environmental Sciences, at Lethbridge Community College. During summer, he installed electronic equipment for ASA Installations and later, was employed as a Receiver-Scaleman with York Farms Division of Canada Packers Inc. Returning to Winnipeg, Victor worked for Feed-Rite (now Ridley Canada) as a head shipper-receiver for their various branches until December, 1990, when multiple sclerosis paralyzed his capacity to work. While there, he won a contest and named the Feed-Rite product Perfect Choice. Victor handled his illness bravely and without complaint as his symptoms progress from one cane to two, from walker to wheelchair. He never lost his sense of humour, nor his kind and gentle nature. Friends were always inspired by his fun-loving attitude towards life and later, as he lost his speech, by his efforts to communicate with them. In 1995, he entered Minnedosa Hospital and in 1997, he became a resident at the Personal Care Home. Throughout his life, his hobbies involved hockey. He was a referee with James in the MB Minor Hockey Association and a great fan of the Calgary Flames. He used to hike to Beads Lake in Riding Mountain to drop a line and loved to fish and bowhunt in the Kananaskis area of Alberta. He spent weekends in snow caves at Waterton Park and enjoyed snowshoing, skiing, icefishing, playing darts and shooting pool. He played baseball in Lethbridge for the Off-Road team and always enjoyed music, photography, eating dessert(s), visiting with friends, birdwatching and saving money. One of his many poems/verses was included on the latest release by the band, Inconnu, from Whitehorse, Yukon. Its entitled Victors Letter, and can be found on their Back To The Water recording. Victor was able to see the band perform the song twice. Once on CTVs Canada AM and most recently, during a special July concert at the care home. Prayers were said by Rev. Boyd Drake, of Rapid City, with interment taking place on November 17 at St. Peters Dynevor churchyard in Selkirk, Mb. It was a sunny, fall day with family and old friends attending the riverside service. Geese were migrating overhead. The Flames won that day. Sparrow Funeral Home of Minnedosa and Gilbart Funeral Home of Selkirk were in care of arrangements. If friends so desire, a donation can be made to the M.S. Society, 400 - 141 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 0R3.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 1999