Robert "Bob" MacLean Whittle BA. MEd. PhD.
It is with great sadness we share that Bob Whittle has passed away. He is survived by his best friend, loyal champion and loving wife of 58 years Holly, his children Bob (Ginny), Wendy (Russell) and grandchildren Jack and Finn; his sister Bonnie with her children Dana and Bruce in British Columbia. He is predeceased by his mother Marion and father Robert.
In 1960, as a handsome and rumoured to be wild school teacher, he met a young teacher delivering mail to his classroom and asked her if she liked to dance. She said yes- which in turn became a whirlwind romantic courtship of jazz band music and dancing, quart beer, fancy meals, drives in his TR3 sports car and eggs rolls under the Champlain Bridge. They married on snowy December day and started a lifetime partnership of love, respect, friendship and team work with mutual support and laughter – BobnHol. Together they inspired confidence and self-respect, determination and work ethic, humour and a strong sense of family in their children and then grandchildren. For Bob, family was a pillar.
The teacher in Bob evolved into a passion for education. He became an elementary school principal leading many schools across Ottawa through his career. While working full time, he earned a doctorate degree in the philosophy and strategies of teaching children how to read. As a principal during the introduction of French immersion programming, he taught himself the French language becoming bilingual to lead and support by example. He led with dedication and compassion to elevate students and teachers alike. In retirement he became a Lecturer with the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Education, helping to instil a respect for the processes of learning and to develop the skills and attitude for great teaching in the next generation of educators. Bob was honoured by his daughter’s academic pursuits following in her father’s footsteps with a passion for knowledge and very proud of the professional successes of both his children. Both professionally and personally, Bob respected and represented the concept of lifelong learning.
His discipline and determination translated into a diverse range of extra-curricular activities and past-times… from home maintenance, car repair and engine rebuilds, gardening and landscaping- each project tackled with a well thought-out plan, purpose and enjoyment. He loved his toys: cars, boats, bikes and snowmobiles! Fishing and kayaking on the Ottawa River, skating on the Rideau canal, curling, reading or watching a movie on TV…. any activity and all with great enthusiasm. Physical fitness was a personal goal; a daily routine of morning exercise - rain, shine or snow- a run and in later years a walk on the street stopping to chat along the way.
Bob loved a good joke and a great time- movie dinner dates with Holly, a swim in the Ottawa River, snowmobile ride with his son Bob, sharing a glass of wine with Wendy, fishing and bike riding with Jack and Finn, get-togethers with friends both new and from a life-time, a dry gin martini with one olive, a big family dinner! Travel was an important part of his life- starting with touring his young family across Canada and the US in a Volkswagen van –“The Whittlewagen”, later the same trip on motorbike with his son, cruising to warm destinations in the convertible, riding waterslides and ocean waves with his grandsons, and traveling through Europe with family and friends. He loved every adventure, soaking in every experience and learning new knowledge and skills at every step.
You led by example, you represented discipline and rewarded hard work, you educated by instilling confidence and self-realization, you were articulate and well read, you respected humility and dignity, you loved with loyalty and ferocity. We were lucky to know you, learn from you, laugh with you and to love you. … “To us and folks like us…”
Those wishing may donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of their choice. Private family service will be held in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services. Online condolences can be left at www.beechwoodottawa.ca.
Digital Guestbook
Elaine Wolthausen
Bob's Staff at Kars Public School
When Bob first came to Kars Public School as Principal, to most of us on Staff he was a stranger named Dr. Whittle. We thought our relationship with our new boss, was going to be of a more formal nature…
Bob was a caring, knowledgeable educator, an advocate for bilingualism, a promoter of continuous, ongoing education and training, and a supportive leader for the staff and students of his new school.
Bob had a hands-on approach to everything from taking his turn out in the school yard during cold winter duties, to his scene-stealing, comical portrayal of Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer in a Staff Christmas Play.
Staff enjoyed his sense of humor, and got to know Bob on a more personal level, forming a friendship, which, especially for one teacher in particular, has grown and thrived over the many years since his retirement from Kars P.S, his last school.
At Bob’s retirement party, much to his surprise, staff brought a motorcycle, to represent the idea of this new phase of life being like riding off on a new adventure. (It took some doing to actually pull off getting a motorcycle into the school library without tipping him off!)
Although we cannot be there to share stories, personally give our condolences to Holly (and the family), or give him a great sendoff for this final journey, we are comforted to know that Bob has had a great ride, and were happy to have been along for a small part of it.
Sincerely,
Bob’s staff at Kars Public School.
Susan Gordon and Shane Delcourt
Our thoughts have been with you Bob, and your family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Holly and family, I enjoyed working with Bob, he made us all laugh! So sorry to hear of his passing.