THOMAS MELVIN WHITLEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THOMAS MELVIN WHITLEY Thomas Melvin Whitley, aged 93, passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on Saturday, February 19, 2000. Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary (Mae) Elizabeth (Leslie) daughter Ruth and son-in-law Jim Partridge; sons, Donald and daughter-in-law Janette (Maillard), Robert and daughter-in-law Miriam (Sadler) seven grandchildren, Leslie Partridge, Christopher Partridge and his wife Heather (Jessiman), Janelle Whitley, Danielle Whitley, Ryan Whitley, Rhett Whitley and his wife Kerry (Ukrainetz) and Rory Whitley. Tom was born August 30, 1906 on the family farm at Melita, Man., the second youngest child of pioneer homesteaders Joseph and Sarah Jane (McLean) Whitley. He began his early schooling at Chesterfield School, later moving to Melita for high school. Following high school he attended Normal School in Brandon, Man. His first teaching position was in Arnaud, Man. He then went on to attend Wesley College (University of Winnipeg) graduating with a BA degree in 1930. He also attained a B.Ed. from The University of Manitoba in 1957. Toms love of teaching and dedication to education then took him on a long and happy career as a respected educator touching the lives of countless students. He taught high school in Elgin, Man. from 1930 until 1934. While in Elgin he met his future wife, Mae Leslie, a fellow teacher. He then accepted a position as the school principal in Boissevain, Man. Tom and Mae were married July 21, 1938 and their three children were born during the years in Boissevain. In 1948 the family moved to Neepawa, Man. where Tom continued his teaching career as principal of Neepawa Collegiate. He was appointed Inspector of Schools with the Department of Education in 1953 and was assigned to the Morris Macdonald and Red River School Divisions. He made his home in Morris until 1966 when he moved to Winnipeg to continue his career as School Inspector until he retired in 1971. Following retirement he enjoyed volunteering as a guide for the Manitoba Forestry Association school program in Hadashville and with Mae as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Music was always an important part of his life. He loved dancing and he enjoyed playing the piano and his fathers fiddle. He also spent many happy summers at the family cabin at Clear Lake. Tom was a lifelong member of the United Church and was at the time of his passing a member of Oxford United Church. He was a member of King Solomon Masonic Lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star, Friendship Chapter No. 67. The last surviving member of his family, Tom was predeceased by brothers, Chester, Ogle, Russell and two brothers in infancy; sisters, May Brockinton, Zella Loucks, Gertrude Kelly , Elva Herbert. He will be remembered as a loving and kind husband, father and grandfather who was always willing to lend a helping hand to family and friends. Many thanks to all the home care workers, especially to Clarita, Gil and Clyde, for the wonderful care given to Dad and for making it possible for him to spend his declining years in his own home. Thanks to Dr. David Young and the nursing staff on the 5th floor of Victoria General Hospital for making him comfortable during his last days. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 23 at 2:30 p.m.at Thomson Funeral Chapels, 669 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg. Interment to follow at Garry Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Toms memory to a charity of your choice. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2000