John Whitehead

John Charles (Roger) Whitehead of Opaskwayak Cree Nation passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at the Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, age 87 years. John was born Tuesday, May 27, 1924 to Charlotte and Isaiah Whitehead at The Pas, Manitoba. John was united in marriage to Jessie Budd, September 26, 1951 at The Pas, Manitoba. Together, they had 11 children. John worked for the Canadian National Railway. He also worked as a custodian at KCC, the Provincial Building and The Pas Band Office. His last job he worked for the Province as a civil servant until he retired at which time he was a Commissionaire. He also constructed the stage for the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1970. Roger, known to many, was shaped by his experiences. He never lost sight of what he had learned by his parents and grandparents. Although he left at an early age to attend Residential School, he knew the importance of family, love and the teachings of his parents and grandparents. This helped him during his years there. He enlisted in the Army during World War II, something that profoundly changed him. He was part of the Canadian Scottish Regiment, a regiment that he was very proud to be in. On June 6, 1944 Roger landed on Juno Beach and months later, Roger was injured. However, he went on, surviving his injury and went on to lead a productive life. After marrying our mother Jessie, Roger wanted a close knit family, one that would reflect the love and nurture of his parents and grandparents. Roger was attentive and showed this by taking children and grandchildren on adventures, whether it was berry picking, teaching them to drive, and visiting relatives. He loved the Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Blue Jays, Blizzard Hockey, but The Pas Chargers was his overall long time favourite team. His generosity was welcomed by the whole team! Roger loved politics; the speech from the throne and the budget announcements in the country was a topic of discussion. In addition, reading his daily newspapers, speaking about stories of faraway places, gave Roger and his family a broader view of the world. Roger inherited his love of interior design from his mother. He enjoyed working on woodwork projects and painting. In his later years, Rogers love for baking and cooking was enjoyed by his family. Roger shared the importance of service by example; his contribution to the country has become an inspiration to his whole family. He had an incredible sense of humor, very witty and always good for a laugh. His instructions were only told once and if you missed the instruction...well, one just didn`t miss the instructions. His favourite past-time was watching Price is Right, Wrestling and Hockey Night In Canada. Dad will be missed by all his children and grandchildren. Dad will always be remembered as a generous man, he loved his nieces and nephews. John is survived by his children, Frank Whitehead (Margaret), Helen Sinclair (James), Kathleen Whitehead, Joslin Jackson, Millie Delaronde (Ken), Olive Beardy (Moses), Margaret Flett (Alex), Maureen Brown (Don), Melvin Whitehead, Elaine Kadachuk, Alvin Whitehead, Brenda Nelson (Norman), Bobbi-Faye Sinclair (Scott) and extended family Marcella McGillivary. Grandchildren: Bruce (Judy), Charles (Amber), Charlotte (Kenneth) and Harley (Michelle) Whitehead; Shelley, Kirby, Tricia (Derek), Natasha (Rod) and Jeremy Sinclair; John Paul (Ginger), Paywahpun, Quinton (Tina) and Jessica (Brad) Ballantyne; Sharon (Steve), Darren (Crystal ) and Kyle Jackson; Dayna (David), Diana (Len), and Danielle (Stevie Ray) Delaronde; Laurie (Derwin), Rocky (Kirsten), Chance Chaboyer, and Maria Flett; Josh, Cody and Jenna Brown; Jarrod, Duane (Brenna), Tiar, Aryton Kadachuk; Francesca and Giselle Whitehead; Alyssa (Brian), Kaitlyn and Jamie Nelson-Whitehead; and Destiny Sinclair and extended family Buela Lathlin. Great-grandchildren: Marcus, Hayley, Presley, Raven, Robyn, John Charles, Liam, Payton, Desirae, Lawrence, Trenton, Ashton and Kalem; Isaiah, Josiah, Ethan, Randi Blair, Rainee, Reegan, Melodine, Blossom, and Charmaine; Brandi, Brandon, Brailyn, Hunter, Bow, Sean, Madison, Cleveland and Jesse; Adam, Shay, Breanne, Brody, Madison and Adian; Darius, Darrianne, Denaya, Kason, Dacia and Danton; Milika, Martina, Durwin Jr., Rocky Jr., Monica, Chace and Zoe; Taysean; Dionne, Elijah, Daeson and Easton; Ryder and Mason; and two great-great grandchildren, Hannah and Savannah. Roger was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jessie (Budd) Whitehead; his daughter, Harriet Matilda; brothers, Peter and Bruce Whitehead; sisters, Olive Carriere, Lillian Spence, and Jessie Sinclair; sisters-in-law, Myrtle Whitehead and Marie Budd; brothers-in-law, Robert and Frank Budd, Roger Carriere, Wilfred Spence, and Joe Sinclair; cousins, Lawrence (Crow) Whitehead, Percy Whitehead, Malcolm Whitehead and Lizzy Lathlin; fellow comrades, Stanley Young and Harry Smith. WAKE SERVICES Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Roger’s residence 25 Bignell Crescent., Opaskwayak, MB Sunday, July 31, 2011 at the Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Opaskwayak, MB FUNERAL SERVICES Monday, August 1, 2011 1:00 pm Church of Redeemer, Opaskwayak, MB Presider: Ven. Jim Sayese Music Ministry: Russell Cook Memorial Singers Scripture Readings: Shelley Sinclair, Jamie Nelson-Whitehead, Quinton Martin, Charlotte Whitehead Eulogy: Kirby Sinclair Thanksgiving for Family: Bobbi-Faye Sinclair INTERMENT St. Michael and All Angels Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB PALLBEARERS All of John’s Grandchildren and Great, Grandchildren, Brian Spence, Lionel Young. HONORARY PALLBEARERS Comrade Phillip Bignell, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #19, Box 478, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K6, would be appreciated by Roger’s family.