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Kevin Whitaker Obituary
A Man You Don't Meet Every Day.
March 5, 1957 - January 1, 2025
As the new year dawned, the world held its breath and Kevin Whitaker exhaled his last. Father, brother, lover, friend, colleague, thinker, doer. Calm and steady, with trademark grace, Kevin died naturally at home in North Hatley, Quebec, surrounded by friends and family singing "A Man You Don't Meet Every Day."
Daughter Claire (Moliner) and son Luke (Moliner) were the apples of his eye, and he made sure they knew it. Always present for them, his quiet guidance engaged them in travel, food, ideas, art, and music.
Joined at the hip, Marie (Moliner) and Kevin's love for each other was legendary. They excelled at having fun, always finding new ways to play once disease took its course. Even if it was just a trip to the grocery store, Kevin's face unfailingly lit up when Marie returned home. Marie found joy and purpose both as Kevin's art agent and as his full-time caregiver at home.
Kevin's brain attracted a wide range of friendships. He was rooted in family - a trait nurtured by his mother's unconditional love, while his father's singular determination taught Kevin to defy all odds. His brothers, Chris and Jeff, were his buddies. A conveyor of brilliant ideas, Kevin was always measured and on point. One was wise to hang on to his every word. In Kevin's eyes, we saw kindness, generosity, and deep awareness. He recognized the importance of feeling heard, loved, and understood.
Accomplished and unpretentious, Kevin was the first of his family to attend university. He was proud of his career as an Ontario Superior Court judge, Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board, special advisor to the Ontario Government, mediator, arbitrator, and lawyer. Kevin excelled at decision-making, observing that any decision worth making should be made at the right time and only after all the necessary information had been gathered.
When disease robbed him of his favourite job as a judge, Kevin pursued his passion and, through the sale of his paintings, raised over $200,000 for research into Parkinson's and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. He joked that, had he known painting would be so much fun, he might have pursued that career instead.
His favourites included: Venice, Orwell, Dostoevsky, Jackson Browne, Shostakovitch, Gordon Lightfoot, Trailer Park Boys, Baroness von Sketch, Brazil, All Right Jack, Battleship Potemkin, Van Gogh, key lime pie, and carrot cake.
Somewhere, Kevin is singing "Song for a Winter's Night" while simultaneously playing violin, piano, and harmonica - something he could do.
The family is grateful to ALL the healthcare workers (in Ontario and Quebec) who guided their ten-year journey, helping Kevin defy the odds against the toll of Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia.
Should you wish to donate, please choose a cause that matters to you. Donations in support of Parkinson's and Dementia research can be made via Kevin's website ,https://www.kevinwhitaker.art/donate. If you wish to plant a tree, consider www.massawippi.org, the local foundation that takes care of Kevin's favourite paradise.
Kevin will be honoured in Toronto on Saturday, February 1, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Holy Trinity Church (by the Eaton Centre), and in North Hatley in May. Details will be posted on Kevin's website: kevinwhitaker.art
CASS FUNERAL HOMES
3006 College St.,
Sherbrooke, QC
PHONE: 819-564-1750
FAX: 819-564-4423
www.casshomes.ca
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Whitaker
Sponsored by Cass Funeral Home.
22 Entries
Gabriel Felsberg
February 4, 2025
Dear Marie,
Thank you for giving us the privilege of being part of Kevin´s memorial. It was truly moving to witness the immense love and respect everyone has for him. My band and I were honored to contribute to such a heartfelt celebration of his life.
With deepest sympathy,
Andrew Gardiner
February 1, 2025
Marie
I'm so sorry for your lose, todays service was so beautiful and heart warming so much love and joy in one room. His Art is simply amazing
and his colour sense was truly inspired. Take care! Andrew
Guy Heywood & Chris Best
January 31, 2025
Our thoughts are with Marie and her family. We are grateful for the gift of Kevin. His was a life well lived, a joy and inspiration to those who knew him through all the seasons of his life.
Ian Anderson
January 29, 2025
I first met Kevin (and Marie) in law school. He was as preternaturally cool and suave then, not to mention bright, as he was throughout his legal career.
He got me appointed to the OLRB and I had a chance to work more closely with him there. He did not have a need to hear himself speak, but when he spoke it always mattered.
He always had a twinkle in his eye and a wicked sense of humour. As one member of the bar said at one of the many events celebrating his appointment to the bench, he always had the coolest glasses and socks in the room.
He also had a love for life and adventure, which he very much shared with Marie. He took up violin as an adult. When his illness struck, characteristically he made the most of the time he had left and turned to painting.
He shall be missed, by Marie most of all. My deepest condolences.
Ian Anderson
Mary Donaghy
January 27, 2025
My sincere condolences to Marie, and to her children, and to all those who mourn Kevin. I remember first encountering his artwork covering the really bleak metal panels that skirted the offices at 4900 Yonge Street, where Marie and I both worked. Later, I watched with admiration as his art became both a life-giving practice and fund-raising endeavour. Here was a man who knew how to embrace life! He leaves a rich legacy of love and beauty behind, even for those of us who knew him only by reputation. May his joyfulness live on.
Hart Cantelon
January 26, 2025
As Bob Hollands expressed, Kevin is at Peace. A great man, wonderful student, and a distinct pleasure to know, teach, and share special moments. Kev, you will be missed. Hart
Ann Merritt
January 25, 2025
Dear Marie, I was saddened to hear of Kevin´s passing. Given his incredible strength of character and determination and your exceptional and unfailing love and caregiving, I felt he would be with us for many more years to come. I have quietly followed your journey over the past ten years and have been immensely impressed with how you both turned such a challenging time into one of joy, significance and philanthropy. Bravo! I will miss Kevin´s art shows, but am grateful to be able to view his art every day in my foyer and to be reminded of your courage, strength and deep love for one another. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ann
Seana Irvine
January 21, 2025
Dear Marie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Kevin seemed like such a wonderful man. Thinking of you.
Seana
Siobhan Monaghan
January 20, 2025
Marie
So very sad to learn this news. I remember Kevin so well from law school, and of course remember you two meeting there where your strong bond and deep love for one another had its beginnings.
You were both so fortunate to find each other. Like others, I have followed Kevin's last ten years from a distance with much admiration for his strength in the face of such adversity and his passion to carry on with art, and for the deep devotion you had to his care. I am so sorry for your loss but I hope the memories of your many years together and as a family--some of which are so beautifully captured in the obituary--bring you joy and comfort at what must be a very difficult time. Thinking of you with much sympathy
Siobhan
Leah Sandals
January 15, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel lucky to have met Kevin and been able to see his art, as well as learn about his process. I deeply appreciate all Kevin and Marie did to raise awareness around Parkinson's and dementia, as well as around caregiving. May his memory be a blessing.
Lison Joncas
January 15, 2025
Chère Marie , Kevin n´aurait pu être mieux accompagné pendant toutes ses années
Les gens partent que lorsqu´on les oublie, vous êtes des êtres, des âmes inoubliables. Je pense à vous, à vous tous.
John West
January 14, 2025
I am very saddened to learn of Kevin´s passing and send sincere condolences to his beloved family. As employer counsel, I appeared frequently before Kevin as an arbitrator and also at the OLRB, and respected him immensely. I was delighted when he was appointed to the Superior Court and saw it as recognition of his tremendous ability as an adjudicator to be even tempered, fair and exceptionally insightful. It was a loss to the Ontario labour law bar to see Kevin leave the OLRB for the bench. Kevin will always be remembered for his personal warmth and professional excellence.
Patricia Yan-Badilla
January 13, 2025
Sending our sympathies and prayer from Montrose Child Care Centre. We are saddened by the news. We will treasure the wonderful memories that we shared at Montrose.
Beverley Jaffray and Neil Sentance
January 12, 2025
Marie - sad news, you and Kevin have been very brave, loving and determined
Brian Smeenk
January 10, 2025
Kevin once told me that I was bis opposing counsel in the first case he ever argued as a lawyer. So, I'm proud to have been there and seen the start of such a stellar legal career. We crossed paths often snd ot was always a pleasure, whether he was my opponent or my adjudicator
What's more, in characteristic fashion, he was very kind about his description of our first encounter. He is missed.
Lisa Tucker Boulton
January 10, 2025
Marie; I am sure you are heartbroken. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Many of us have been following your journey from a distance. The love and commitment that your family have demonstrated to one another during Kevin´s illness has been truly remarkable. Kevin was indeed one for the ages and your story of fortitude and love is one for the ages too. Your and Kevin´s ability to see the silver lining has been a lesson in life for all of us - grab what you have when you have it and be glad. Last month I found a lovely picture of the two of you from law school. I will try and get it to you. I have many fond memories of Kevin. I know yours will sustain you over the coming days and weeks without him. Sincerely Lisa Tucker Boulton
Norm Jesin
January 10, 2025
Kevin was a true mentor to me when I first came to the OLRB. He was kind and generous with his time, advice and support. I am very sorry about his passing. My condolences to his family.
Gail Misra
January 10, 2025
Dear Marie and Kevin's family,
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin's passing. I worked with Kevin for years at the Ontario Labour Relations Board, where he was an excellent Vice Chair and then Chair of the Board. Kevin was always thoughtful, caring, and sardonically funny! We were all so happy for him, and proud of one of our own, when he was appointed to the Bench.
With Marie's unfailing love and support, and Kevin's determination, they together continued a wonderful life even after Kevin's diagnosis. He was an exceptional man, who throughout his career and illness exemplified how to live life fully. My sincere condolences to you, his family.
Patrick CLOWERY
January 10, 2025
Dear Marie and family,
Johanne and I want to offer you our deepest condolences on the passing of Kevin.
He was a true inspiration for anyone suffering with a dibilitating disease and a most remarkable man.
RIP Kevin
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