Allan Leslie WHITING

1943 - 2022

ALLAN LESLIE WHITING September 22, 1943-October 23, 2022 On October 23, 2022, Allan Whiting left us all to figure things out on our own. It was hard for us to breathe that day. For all who wonder, Al departed on his own terms, with sharp mind, clean shave, clear directives to his loved ones, and some very serious negotiations with The Universe on when he would be leaving. During his last month here he chose to stay in the company and comfort of those closest to him, including his dog, Zoey and sidekick, Milo, at his home on Crowe Lake in Havelock, Ontario. He stayed through his favourite season - with Fall leaves, starling swarms, ducks, last casts on the dock and the opening of duck hunting season. He noted, you aren't really supposed to hunt on Sundays when he heard the gun shots, then promptly asked the sports scores. He lived 79 years, one month and a day and stated he considered himself to be very lucky to have made it this far; 'very lucky indeed,' he repeated. 'We were lucky to have you,' we told him. The fabric of his life, his accomplishments and who he was to all of us that knew and loved him can't possibly be captured in this space or any for that matter, in our opinion. Father of 4. Grandfather of 7. Husband. Brother. Uncle. Good Friend. Lover of dogs, especially golden retrievers, as he had 8 during his life. Dedicated and respected Healthcare Leader. Teacher. Visionary. No nonsense, get to the point kinda people person. Guitar player. Music lover. Sports fan: The Habs, Football, Baseball and Golf. Level 2 Ski Instructor. West Coast spirited with a Tofino soul. Duck Hunter. Stella Artois consumer. Belmont Lake cottager. Formidable bridge player. Lake swimmer. Fisherman. Traveller. Nature lover. Storyteller. Warkworth Scratch golfer (okay, maybe not). Bronze Medallion recipient. Football player. Expert beer can chicken BBQ'er. Deliverer of Tim Horton's coffee and muffins every morning in the summer to the cottage full of family awaiting his arrival and giant laugh. He was truly one of a kind, and we will never be the same without him. Allan grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. He earned multiple degrees and certificates as a graduate of Commerce at St. Patrick's College, University of Ottawa and Health Administration at University of Toronto. He was a Fellow at the Canadian College of Health Service Executives and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He took on leadership and change agency for Healthcare at various hospitals, including Hotel Dieu, Oakville Trafalgar, Mississauga and Scarborough Centenary, where they named the Atrium after him. He finished this work as President and CEO of the Rouge Valley Healthcare System to enjoy his time split between beautiful places in Brooklin and Belmont Lake in Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia, before finally settling down on Crowe Lake, Ontario. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Elisabeth and Matthew, Joseph, Katherine and Russell, Matthew and Heather; his grandchildren, Myles, Lillian, Quinn, Ryan, Ben, Devon and Charlotte; his former spouse and lifelong friend, Jane; his caring friend and companion, Gelda; and his golden retriever, Zoey. In the spirit of things Allan loved, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Polar Bear Fund Canada and Golden Rescue Canada. A Celebration of Life will be held for Allan in the Summer of 2023, when our grief may have softened somewhat. We welcome stories and photos to include in this event, if you would like to share memories with us. Please send to lizzywhiting@hotmail.com.