Terence Talbot (Terry) Whyte died of a massive brain
hemorrhage which
occurred while he was driving to Victoria with Shirley on
December 28, 2011. Immediate loss of
consciousness caused him to lose control of his vehicle.
Terry will be
remembered for his passion for justice and his dedication to empowering those who struggle and are often left behind, especially the elderly.
His uncompromising commitment to community development, and to self-determination for all, influenced all of his work. Among his many accomplishments were offering valuable leadership to Port Alberni Parks and Recreation, Fir Park Village, the Abbeyfield home in Port Alberni, and the Abbeyfield movement across Canada. His career in community development included several opportunities to work with Aboriginal peoples from whom he learned the necessary virtues of humility and giving gentle support. He was a life-long student of the human spirit, including formal degrees in arts, theology and education. He had an abiding interest in people and in hearing their stories. He had an irrepressibly caring spirit and seemed to find his true joy in helping people to better their lives. He was held in high regard by many for his citizenship, honesty, energy and
enthusiasm.
Terry is survived by Shirley, his wife of fifty years, and by their daughters: Jennifer Whyte (Ian Thomas) of Victoria, Melanie Whyte (Paul Gehrs) of Winnipeg and Susan Whyte-Danneberg (Larry Myhres) of Bowser, BC. “Grandpop” and “Nana” have nine cherished grandchildren: Ginnie, Sarah, Terry, Charles, Kate, Emma, Madison, Andrew, and Berit. Terry also leaves to mourn his sister Wynne Edwards (Larry) of Regina, his brother John Whyte (Tessa) of Regina, along with many close family and friends.
Terry was born in Churchill, MB on January 19, 1935. He lived in many places, including Peterborough and Aberfoyle, ON; Scotland, Spain and India; Hazelton and Sointula B.C. Since 1973, he has lived in Port Alberni.
A celebration of Terry’s life will be held on Saturday January 7, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Echo Centre in Port Alberni. The gathering will include a general invitation to share brief memories of Terry. Refreshments will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alberni Valley
Community Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
(www.albernifoundation.ca
3100 Kingsway Ave. Port Alberni, BC V9Y 3B1)