On May 6, 2006, Charles Whittaker passed away peacefully at Glenwood Home in Agassiz BC at the age of 89. He will be dearly missed by his daughters, Joan Hirst and her family Ken, Alison and Graham of Chilliwack, and Anne Neave and her family Roland, Heather and Fraser of Kamloops. Charles was predeceased by his wife Jean, in 1992.
Born and raised in Chilliwack, Charles began his teaching career in 1938 at Chilliwack Central Elementary, where he met his wife, Jean Patriquin. During World War 2, he volunteered and was trained as a radio mechanic, being posted to various Royal Air Force stations in England and Scotland as a RCAF radar technician and officer.
On his return to Chilliwack, he married Jean and assumed his teaching career in Nanaimo, BC where he taught cabinet-making, furniture joinery and boat building until his retirement in 1975. During this time, Charles actively worked with the BCTF to improve teacher pensions in BC. In 1992, he moved back to Chilliwack following Jean’s death.
Charles was an avid saltwater sport fisherman, building nearly all of his own boats and spending countless happy hours on the saltchuck. He also took great pleasure in operating an amateur radio station as VE7DGI, connecting with radio Hams in 294 countries. His radio fraternity kept in touch with him until he became a “silent key”.
There is no formal service and no flowers by Charles’ request. Should friends desire, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon would be greatly appreciated.
“Crossing the Bar”
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me
And may there be no moaning of the bar
When I put out to sea…..
Twilight and evening bell
And after that the dark
And may there be no sadness of farewell
When I embark….
– Tennyson
Mi vida loca.
Destiny turns on a dime…