Paul Whitteker

Paul Raymond Whitteker, a lifetime resident of the Williamsburg area, passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Mon., Nov. 24, 2008, following a brief illness. He was 89.
He was born in Matilda Township on July 7, 1919 to his parents Arthur and Martha Whitteker (nee Barkley) and was raised on the family farm along with his brothers Garnet, Lloyd, and Ross, and sisters Nina, Alice, and Ada. On Sept. 6, 1939 he married Dorothy Casselman, and together they had three children: Isla, Garry, and James.
He was very devoted to his children. He loved each child unconditionally, and they were never afraid to go to him for help. He always made time to spend with the children, and he taught them many things including how to read, skate, swim, square dance, drive a car, and ride a horse. Today, children take lessons for these things, but Paul took the time to teach his children all of those skills, and many other lessons of life. In addition, he taught his family about gardening, farming, and animals, and he always had lots of pets.
Paul was always there for his grandchildren Shelley, Tracy, Shaw, Tammy, and Stacy. The grandchildren have memories of picking up fishworms, going fishing, bailing hay, horseback riding, and driving the truck, tractor, and car. He took them to the trailer, played ball, drove them where ever they wanted to go, gave them money, and dried their tears. He loved to go fishing, and the grandchildren accompanied him on many fishing trips.
In the last few years, he was there for the great-grandchildren too. Brandon was always pretty excited when Grandpa would let him ride the four-wheeler or three-wheeler, whichever he had at the time. He also loved to watch Brandon play hockey. Grandpa loved to hear Brooke sing - he was always happy about all their activities and accomplishments- especially anything musical. Tyrnan loved "Old Pa Pa" as he called him. Old Pa Pa could pull toonies and loonies out of Tyrnans ears. He was always happy to see the great-grand children come to visit.
He was always full of fun. The family all have fond memories of playing games with him because he always had a joke or a trick or a fun game to play. In the wintertime it was always exciting to see what fun game he would have for the family to play after supper each night ­ there was no television in those days, so he would think of something to do that would entertain everyone. In the summer, after the chores were done, the children would play hide-and-go-seek in the barn, and he allowed the children to jump in the haymow. They also had water fights and pillow fights, which were great fun for not only his own children, but for his children's friends, who were always made to feel welcome in the Whitteker family home.
Paul taught his children how to work hard at whatever they did in life. He set a good example because in addition to his work on the farm he also delivered the mail for over 42 years, sold life insurance, and delivered the Ottawa Citizen. He kept very busy trying to make a living but he always had time for his family, and he taught them good values and to appreciate and be thankful for what they had.
He was gifted in his ability to play the violin, and he liked to write poems. He began playing the violin at the age of seven, and later he and his brother Ross, who had a guitar, started to play together in their first band. Paul was blessed with the ability to be able to hear a piece of music and then play it without having any sheet music to read. He loved music, and he was fortunate enough to be able to play his violin up until a few days before he passed away.
He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, nephew, brother-in-law, father-in-law, and friend to many people.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his children Isla (Alfred) Whitteker-Berthelotte of Orleans, and Garry (Mary) of RR#3 Williamsburg, and his brother Garnet of Paris. He will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Shelley (Vince) Cousineau, Tracey (Geoff) Hare, Shaw (Suzanne) Knelsen, Tammy (Dan) McIntosh, Stacey (Raymond) Lee, and great-grandchildren Brandon, Brooke, Tyrnan, Ryan, Samuel, and Michael. He is also survived by nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by an infant daughter Julie, a son James Paul, sisters Alice Casselman, Nina Whitteker, Ada Hanson, and brothers Lloyd and Ross Whitteker.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg, on Wed., Nov. 26. The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Thurs., Nov. 27 with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating, followed by interment at Spruce Haven Cemetery in Brinston. The pallbearers were nieces Sylvia Barkley, Marilyn McInnis, Karen Wells, Robbin Kerr, Gail Godbout, and Susan Hanson.
Donation to Winchester District Memorial Hospital would be appreciated by the family.