Eleanor Gloria (Cave) Whyte

It is with great sadness and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved mom, gramma, and great gramma, Eleanor Whyte. Eleanor lived life to the fullest. She was actively involved in her community, shared great times with her friends, and, most of all, was a steadfast champion of her loving family.

Born in Vancouver to James and Grace Cave (nee Douglas). Eleanor passed away in Nanaimo on July 28th, 2024 at the age of 92.

Eleanor grew up in Vancouver, Popkum, and Richmond. She had a wonderful childhood with her parents and younger brother Bob.

Eleanor was involved in Girl Guides of Canada in her youth and earned the ultimate achievement: the Gold Cord. Along with community service, sports became dominant in her life. While at King Edward High School, Eleanor excelled in basketball, field hockey, and track and field (high jump). She continued playing multiple sports while attending UBC. Through her hard work, dedication, and talent she earned a spot on the Eilers women’s basketball team and with them, went on to win five national championships. She also represented Canada on a European field hockey tour. In 1963, she participated in the Pan American Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil as a member of Canada's basketball team. Eleanor is a member of both the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the BC Basketball Hall of Fame.

https://gothunderbirds.ca/news/2016/5/16/womens-basketball-thunderbird-eleanor-whyte-takes-her-place-in-the-basketball-bc-hall-of-fame.aspx

https://bcsportshall.com/honoured_member/eleanor-cave-whyte/

While at university, Eleanor met Bill Whyte, also a UBC athlete. They married in 1952 and remained in love for 68 years, only separated by his passing in 2020. Together, Eleanor and Bill had four children, Val, Barb, Ron (RJ), and David.

Community service was important to Eleanor and, throughout her life, she spent countless hours volunteering for many organizations from the Junior League, to coaching sports, to being on numerous sporting boards of directors.

Like her husband, Eleanor's career was in education. Her dedication and caring led her to become a high school counsellor. In 1985, Eleanor was honoured with a Women of Distinction award for Metro Vancouver for initiating the development of a daycare program at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary school in Vancouver. This innovative mini school allowed teenage mothers to continue their education while their children were being cared for on site. It was a first in Canada and received a Hilroy National Fellowship from the Canadian Teachers Federation.

Our Mom’s greatest love and pride was for Bill, her kids and their spouses, her grandkids and great-grandchildren. She attended every soccer, basketball, tennis, and hockey game she could. She went to dance competitions, rugby games, field hockey matches, and swim meets. She took a genuine interest in each endeavour her children and grandchildren chose to pursue. Eleanor and Bill were often known as the “team grandparents”. They traveled extensively to visit their kids from Egypt to Toronto, from Edmonton and Grande Prairie. Regardless of the location or temperature (think Grande Prairie in the winter), Mom was never deterred and always made the effort to stay part of her family’s lives.

Second only to family were Eleanor’s friends. She had great times, lots of laughs, and wonderful travel experiences with her close friends. Spring breaks in Palm Springs and golfing in Sudden Valley were always filled with laughter, silliness, and great happy hours. When not travelling, Eleanor could be found on the golf course. She loved the game and the friends she met along the way. She even experienced getting a hole in one - not once but two times!

Eleanor was loved by so many family and friends. The most repeated description from those who loved her is “she is so kind, generous, and gracious”. Mom left a great impression on those who were fortunate enough to have met her. She has left a wonderful legacy to her family and will be deeply missed by all.

We would like to thank the staff of Dufferin Place, Birch Wing for the wonderful care of our Mom over the past year. We appreciate all you do.

A celebration of life is being planned for the fall.