John Thomas Whittaker was born in the District of Salvador, Saskatchewan on May 28, 1923 and passed away in Brooks, Alberta on March 28, 2020. “Jack” as he was known his entire life, grew up on the family farm at Luseland, Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the RCAF in 1942 and became a navigator, flying Halifax bombers with 431 SQN. Following his return from the war, Jack enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating as a Professional Engineer. He joined the PFRA at Swift Current, Saskatchewan and in 1951 he was sent to Vauxhall to work on the PFRA’s newest project to irrigate southern Alberta. That project was completed in 1974 and he was then sent to Outlook, Saskatchewan to operate the Diefenbaker Dam until his retirement in 1979, when he and mom relocated to Brooks for their retirement.
Dad was a very avid curler and had a passion for golf. He also very much enjoyed having a cold one at the Legion. He held the position of President of the Vauxhall Legion for a number of years and received a lifetime membership.
Dad was predeceased by his wife Ruth in 2010, father Harry in 1967, mother Gertrude in 1987, brother Gordon in 1994 and sister Jean in 2018. He is survived by son Ron (Phyllis), daughter Mona Derdall (Boyd), daughter Rena Garland (Bob), 7 grandchildren Jacqueline (Paul), Kerridan (Cameron), Jamie (Allena), Evan (Carson), Amanda (Daryl), Jennifer (Andrew) and Scott, and 14 great grandchildren, Gracie, Molly, Jack, Jacob, Alexander, Thomas, Charlize, Chase, Nolan, Carver, Kaybri , Rylee, Eli and Connor.
A Memorial Service and Internment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to The Red Cross or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
