Tribute

PHILIP KIRKHAM WHITTAKER

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Patriarch, Philip Whittaker, on September 07, 2019.

Phil was born May 1, 1918 in Hafford, SK to John Edwin and Lily Kirkham Whittaker.  The family moved to Cowichan Station on Christmas Day, 1919, where he grew up.  He attended school in Cowichan Station, Cobble Hill and Victoria College.

To raise money during Depression times, the Whittaker boys cut wood for the more prosperous people of the area.  While doing this, they decided they should be making logs instead of firewood.  At about 1943 Phil began contract falling and progressed to a full phase logging operation, which still exists.  He mostly logged in the Cowichan Valley, Gulf Islands, and Howe Sound.

In 1939 Phil married the love of his life, Rosanne Bradshaw, and they were together until her passing in 2010, after 71 years.

The family lived in Duncan, West Vancouver, Furry Creek and Squamish, following the Company timber supply. They finally retired from logging to Cowichan Bay in 1992.

To keep busy Phil set about clearing and developing a farm at Cowichan Station.

Phil was predeceased by his wife, Rosanne, brothers Ed, George and Frank, and his granddaughter, Brittany McDowell.  He is survived by his children Jim, Gerry and Jason, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

In his spare time Dad was an outstanding loggers sports competitor.  He held the world championships in chopping and hand sawing, as well as the Canadian and American championships in several events.

Dad was a teacher.  He taught the principles of logging to dozens of young men, several of whom started their own logging companies.

Phil lived at home until he was almost 101.   He then moved to the Gatehouse Adult Care Residence, where he was extremely well cared for by Rae Nekleva and her caring staff.

Thank you to all who looked after Dad, especially Dr. Robinson, Darlene Sumsion and Rae Nekleva.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5, from 2 – 5pm, at the Oceanfront Hotel in Cowichan Bay.

Flowers gratefully declined.