John R. Whittle

1933 - 2017

John R. Whittle obituary, 1933-2017, VICTORIA, BC

John R. Whittle

1933 - 2017

BORN

1933

DIED

2017

John Whittle Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 18, 2017.
His years of suffering now over, John Robert Whittle age 84, died peacefully in his garden on Thursday August 17 surrounded by loving family.

Born in Yorkshire, England, Robert (Bob) was an cricketer, entrepreneur and Mining Engineer all from an early age before coming to Victoria in 1970. In 1998, he added author to his accomplishments and by 2014, he had eleven novels, three of them Canadian Bestsellers. With his second wife, Joyce Sandilands as his publisher and co-author, they sold their books at local markets and craft shows for 19 years. He will be remembered as the Book Guy at his stand in Bastion Square from 2002-2016. He is survived by his wife Joyce, stepchildren James and grandson Alef of Victoria, Christine (Mark) of Cowichan Bay and granddaughter Shayla in Nanaimo. He was predeceased by his son, John Robert Jr., of Perth Australia and leaves his grandson Jamie (Sharon) also of Perth, and five great-grandchildren; two grandchildren, Tony (two children) and Chantel (one child) in Ballarat, Australia, and daughter Carol (James), and grandchildren Courtney and Michael of Coquitlam.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Victoria at First Memorial, 4725 Falaise Road at 2pm on September 16. RSVP [email protected]

Special thanks to Dr. S. Roome and Dr. K. Trouton for their understanding and tender care during Robert's last months of an amazing life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dying With Dignity.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Whittle's Guest Book

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September 5, 2017

Liz Inkster posted to the memorial.

August 28, 2017

Colleen Weir posted to the memorial.

August 26, 2017

Tracey Aussem posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Liz Inkster

September 5, 2017

Such a loss for me ! I worked in Bastion sq and enjoyed my market visits with him.
I brought him newspapers from Holmfirth and he was so grateful.
I just learned of his passing and I am truly saddened for my loss as will many others be.
Condolences to Joyce and family. Take comfort in knowing he was a wonderful and talented person.

Colleen Weir

August 28, 2017

Joyce .... and family ....
We are so sorry to hear of Robert's passing. Any time that I spent chatting with him, had me walking away feeling very 'enlightened'.... I'm just so sad now that I never made it to your back yard to sit and chat for a longer period of time. I have to agree with the person who mentioned the special 'sparkle in his eye'..... he was obviously a very passionate man, and that was very apparent. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to meet Robert, and I have read many of his books.... you two did a wonderful job! Had I not met you both, I would never have had the enjoyment and pleasure of reading those books. I hope that Robert is now at peace, and that he is 'Flying with the Angels, and Dancing with the Stars'! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time....
Colleen and Ron Weir (#72 )

Tracey Aussem

August 26, 2017

I was fortunate to meet this wonderful man last year at the market and then again to have the opportunity to visit with him and meet his lovely wife Joyce at the beginning of August this year.
Many people come and go throughout our lives....... Robert was someone special who really stood out and someone who I will never forget. I really enjoyed all of his story telling and his novels are wonderful reads. Robert did leave his mark on this earth and I feel honored to have met him. The sparkle in his eye will be a vision I will carry with me. He may be gone, but never forgotten. My sincere condolences to Joyce and family.

Tracey Aussem (Ladner, BC)

Elliott Parr

August 25, 2017

IIn 1992, I worked with Robert at the City of Victoria, public works as a janitor. We cleaned at various locations run by the city. I leant a lot from him.
On occasion, I'd help him clean a a couple of locations he had as his own business.
He was great to work with and to socialize with. I often meet him for coffee at a couple of different locations.
I know him for a few years before I moved to another part of the country.

He will be a sadly missed.

Judy Wolfe

August 25, 2017

What an amazing man and gifted author. Came across him at Bastion Square and bought one of his books in 2003 and have bought, read and re-read all of his books since then. My deepest condolences to his family, he will be missed.

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Sign John Whittle's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 5, 2017

Liz Inkster posted to the memorial.

August 28, 2017

Colleen Weir posted to the memorial.

August 26, 2017

Tracey Aussem posted to the memorial.