Obituary of John Whitten

WHITTEN, John 'Jack' Alfred - P Eng 1922-2011 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of John Alfred Whitten on Sunday, May 29, 2011 after a short illness born with dignity and courage. Predeceased by his parents Gladys Weese and Alfred Whitten, and his brother Robert. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jean (Webster) of 60 years and much loved daughters Jill Rowan and Janet Forsayeth (Mike), grandchildren Christopher and Jennifer Rowan and David and Jack Forsayeth, whom he loved dearly and of whom he was very proud, also by his sister-in-law Marianne and nieces Cathy, Joan and Caroline. Sadly missed by Michael, Lesley, Greg, Erin and Laura and his many friends here and in Sarasota. John graduated from Humberside Collegiate where he was a proud member of the City championship football team of 1940, Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps and voted by his peers for the school's top award. He went on to study engineering at S.P.S. University of Toronto, joining the Royal Canadian Artillery where he served as Lieutenant before returning to complete his degree in 1947. He joined Christie Brown and Company as Chief Engineer and went on to become Senior Vice President. He was President of the Canadian and North American Packaging Association and a Councillor of the World Packaging Association. He was President of the Engineering Alumni at U of T and a Master of the Iron Ring Ceremony. John served two terms as Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Toronto. He was Chairman of the Frederick Harris Music Company for 25 years. He retired in 2010. A generous, kind and warm hearted gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour, John will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him. He had a deep appreciation for history, architecture and literature, and for the values of education which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Although his life long pleasure was his family, his love for sailing came close behind. He spent endless, enjoyable summers on Toronto Island racing with his long time friends, and many happy hours with Jean on Cluny's Cat. John was a life member of The Royal Canadian Yacht Club and a happy golfer at The Toronto Golf Club and The Meadow's Golf and Country Club in Sarasota. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. A funeral service will be held in ST. JUDE'S CHURCH, 160 William Street, Oakville on Monday, June 13 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.