JOHN ALBERT WHIDDON

John Albert Whiddon, 77, passed away suddenly, but peacefully with his family by his side, on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre due to surgical complications.
Survived by his wife and best friend of 53 years, Darlene; his children, Chris (Russ), Karen (Rob), and Kevin (Kelly); and five grandchildren who were very dear to his heart, Jennifer (Travis), Cameron, Hilary, Jessica, and Mitchell.
He also is survived by Lena, his dear step-mother of 73 years; brothers, Ken (Dale), James (Suzanne), and Al; sister, Jean (Earl); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Bill; mother, Christina; and sister, Betty.
John was born Feb. 12, 1933 in Devlin, Ont., where he spent most of his childhood. He met and married Darlene in Fort Frances, Ont. and then moved to Kenora, Ont., where they raised their children.
John enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved the outdoors, fly-in fishing, and hunting. Flying was one of his passions. He became a pilot in 1965 and flew for pleasure as well as business in getting minnows for his bait shop.
He also had a green thumb when it came to tending a large garden, and we all enjoyed the vegetables that came out of it.
He loved entertaining, cooking, and socializing with all his friends and family.
John was a jack-of-all-trades, who drove a pulp truck, worked at the paper mill, installed generators at fishing camps, sold minnows at his bait shop, and operated his backhoe for the City of Kenora before retiring.
Upon retiring, John and Darlene enjoyed warmer climates in Florida and Texas, where he will be sadly missed by many friends.
A celebration of John’s life will be held Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Centre in Kenora, with Capts. Tony and Debbie Goss officiating.
Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com