Dear Sir:
It is with great sadness that I heard about the passing of John Whittington.
I first met John a quarter of a century ago at the start of the Jackpine Flats Society and soon learned that even though he was my senior, I had to work hard to keep up with him.
Back in the day we had lots of issues. Old Lakelse Road was gravel, BC Tel was charging $17 per month for poles that carried only party lines, politicians showing no concern for our problems and so on.
John Whittington was always in the midst of these battles. He was persistent and unmovable when he got an idea like we need a park so let’s build one, he took over the logging, the clearing, the dealing with government bureaucrats and the building of the playground in the park that now has his name.
Serving as a morse code specialist (radio operator) during the Second World War, John was involved with the Legion as well as the Lions’ club and was always using his talent as a fundraiser. For a number of years because of my other commitments, I was not active in the Jackpine Flats Association. But John, the old Tinbasher as I called him, was like the energized bunny – he kept going and going.
After some years John thought that Jackpine activities were slowing. He insisted, that I be involved again.
Those of us who knew and worked with him will miss him. The folks in Jackpine are grateful for his service and our thoughts go to his family.
John Jensen,
President,
Jackpine Flats Community Association,
Terrace, B.C.