Richard Edward Whiting

September 15, 1944 – August 14, 2020

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving dad Richard Whiting of Cherhill, AB, on Aug 14, 2020 at the age of 75.

Dad was born in Paradise Hill, SK to Helen Albertine Whiting (nee Turcott) and David John Whiting. He grew up on the family farm in Rich Valley AB, with his 7 brothers (John, Bill, Fred, Gordon, Wilf, Tom, Jim) and 3 sisters (Helen, Jean, Margret).

In his late teen years he followed his older brother, Fred, to the BC Peace River region, where Dad found his passion on the Drilling Rigs. He spent many years working countless aspects of the “oilpatch”, including all positions on the rig itself, selling drill bits, owning a power tong company and a pressure truck company. Alongside his career in the oilfield Dad loved to farm. In the summer he was always working the fields. He said, “his friends and family needed a hand”, and he was always happy to help - right up to his very last day.

In his slower paced years, he found much joy in the kitchen. He loved to collect cookbooks, read through the recipes, gather the ingredients and try out many new and interesting recipes. He found great fulfilment in growing his own amazing garden, and raising chickens and beef. He was not shy to try anything – new dinner ideas, fruit and veggy smoothies, homemade bread, an assortment of homemade sausages and jerky, and the countless jars of nature’s gold that he took great pleasure in preparing, canning and sharing with his loved ones.

Dad was a very interesting individual who loved to share his knowledge and treasures, especially with those most likely to enjoy. One of his favourite pastimes, as far back as can be remembered, has been wheeling and dealing at auctions and finding treasures at the 'share-sheds.' He was very rarely wanting or needing for himself, but always having someone in mind when acquiring a special treasure, as well as all that came along as part of the parcel.

When narrowing the list of Dad's many passions, the importance of bicycles for children came up - Dad was always very concerned that children had bikes. He was always picking up bicycles and fixing them up to have on hand for anyone who may need one. Specifically ensuring that his grandchildren always had one in running order. Whether the significance was the freedom a bicycle gives to a child or that bicycle’s were a rare commodity in the days of his own childhood is unknown, but the fact remains he felt that a child must have a bicycle and ensured that they did.

Bicycles were far from the only thing Dad liked to tinker with. His extensive collection of vehicles, lawn mowers, tractors, boats, chainsaws and power tools testifies to the fact that Dad did love a challenge and derived great pleasure in making things work. He regularly rescued items from the landfill and miraculously got them in great running condition. An amazing talent!

Dad’s endless love of animals was extremely evident. His dogs, horses and cows were his best friends. The dogs were always front and center, right by Dad’s side at home and as they traveled the many a mile throughout most of BC and AB when he went off visiting family and friends. The horses and cows, especially the bottle-calves gave Dad so much joy. He loved taking care of them and watching them grow and giving them a good rub. He also very much loved his birds, whether they be chickens in his coop or the birds that frequented the feeders and birdhouses around his yard. Dad always loved having them around and made sure they had what they needed to thrive.

Dad has left his mark on many hearts and will be greatly and forever missed by those he has left behind; his siblings Tom (Joyce), Jim (Gloria), and Margret, many nieces and nephews, neighbours and friends. By his children who he adored and who adored him; daughter Bambi, daughter Misty, son-in-law Troy, and son Trail, his grandchildren Drew (McKayla), Brody, Dalton, Beau, and Delaney, and his great-granddaughter Emersynn.

Dad may you reunite in love and peace with the ones who passed before you. Love you forever! Until we meet again.

Celebration of Life - Coffee & Snacks

Saturday, September 5th, 2020

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the Cherhill Community Hall

Due to Covid restrictions this is by invitation only. Please email [email protected] for info.