It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David William Whitten on June 9th, 2024.
David was born in Scarborough, Ontario on December 2nd, 1928, he was the 4th child born to Harold Burgess Whitten and Dorothy Field. His parents met during WW1 when Harold was sent from the front to a hospital in England with what they thought was trench fever, it was 1918 and he actually had the deadly Spanish influenza. While in hospital he met an English nurse Dorothy Field and when he recovered, they asked for permission to marry. After moving around England, they returned to Canada and made their home in Toronto. They had 4 children, John Robert, Louisa Elizabeth, Ruth and my father, David William.
At the age of 15 Dave lied about his age and boarded a Norwegian merchant marine cargo ship as a cooks helper. The ship was called the Fana and was carrying a very dangerous cargo of cordite ammo and he frequently saw torpedoes that were meant for them.
When he returned to Canada, he worked in New Brunswick at a lumber camp where he developed a taste for molasses on apple pie. When he heard there was lots of work available in BC he and a friend hopped onto a boxcar and headed west in search of better opportunities. Turns out that wasn’t quite true, and they were given money to head back east. He returned to Toronto and after a few jobs here and there he learned that a transmission line was being built between Dryden and Red Lake, he was soon part of the crew that was building the dam at Ear Falls.
He met my mother Ruby when he went into the drug store and asked to buy a jigger. Mom replied, “we don’t sell those here!” To her a jigger was something that was used for fishing, Dad wanted a jigger for measuring liquor! Nevertheless, he asked her out and they began dating. When Dad took a job in Wiarton, in southern Ontario, Mom decided she was not going to stay behind and moved to Toronto where she boarded with his mother. They returned to the Dryden area and were married in 1952. Dad’s job with hydro meant that he was moved around the area a lot. They bought a truck and a house trailer moved around northern Ontario, returning to Dryden in 1956.
Dave was well known as a mentor to many of the Ontario Hydro crew members teaching them and helping them learn the “right” way to do the job! He was a long-time member of the Masonic lodge and spent many hours teaching the new members what it means to be a Mason.
Dave is survived by his daughter Sandra, son-in-law Guenther and the apple of his eye, grandson David. He was predeceased by his wife Ruby in 2008, brother Jack, sisters Betty and Ruth.
During his lengthy stay in hospital, he always had Werther’s candies and chocolate by his bedside and always encouraged the nurses to have candy.
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Linnea Humphrey says
June 13, 2024 at 3:18 pmAs your paper girl, and back yard neighbours I always enjoyed talking with Mr. Whitten. Always so friendly and those arm tattoos were something else to my young eyes. I now fondly reflect on our fathers talking over the fence, taking time away from their gardening duties no doubt. I had a short visit with Mr. Whitten when i was in town in the summer of 2020 – it was so nice that he was still in the same house, same smile and told me – “Your dad and I finally took down that fence”. Condolence to your family – his was a life well lived.
Lewis Gorr says
June 13, 2024 at 6:19 pmOur sincere condolences to Dave’s family.
Dave was a great outdoorsman.
dianne dunkeld says
June 15, 2024 at 11:14 pmYour dad worked with my dad (Allan Raslask) at hydro and they were both masons. Your dad was a lovely man , with w ready smile. Concolence to your family
Dianne Deschamps says
June 17, 2024 at 1:20 pmI am so deeply sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. There simply are no words that can ease the pain. Thinking of you all and sending our deepest condolences. Cherish the memories.
Helen & Tom McKay says
June 18, 2024 at 12:50 pmSandra, Guenther and David. We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Your Dad/Grandfather sounded like a truly wonderful man! I only know too well the feeling of emptiness when losing a parent. Cherish your memories. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna (Piche) Stevens says
June 19, 2024 at 4:41 pmSincere condolences Sandra.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Masonic Foundation of Ontario, 361 King St. West, Hamilton, ON L8P 1B4, or to a charity of your choice.