December 29, 1925 - November 15, 2021
With heavy hearts, the family of Frank "Bud" Whitfield announce his passing on Nov 15th, 2021 at the age of 95. Bud was born in Nelson, BC to Francis and Ruby (Neate) Whitfield on Dec 29, 1925 - the youngest of 6 children. He completed Grade 12 in 1943 before enlisting in the army and was stationed on Vancouver Island when the war ended just prior to his deployment to the South Pacific. He remained in Nanaimo to play Junior A hockey for the winter of 1945/46. On his return to Nelson he began his career with BC Tel. He was joined in marriage to Doreen Robertson on June 4, 1949 and together they raised two children in their home on Silica Street with summers spent at Queens Bay. Retiring in 1984 as a District Supervisor after 38 years with the telephone company, he and mom continued to have many happy years together which included summers at the cabin, travels to warmer climates in the winters and trips to Vancouver and Canora, SK to visit their children and grandchildren. His grandchildren always looked forward to spending time with him and grandma - whether at the farm or enjoying summer activities in the Kootenays. The family traditions continue as the summer trips now include great-grandchildren eager to get to "camp". He made the decision to move to Saskatchewan in 2018 to be closer to his daughter and grandchildren and he was able to enjoy many family get-togethers for the holidays which he greatly missed as the pandemic changed our world.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Ed, Jerry and Jack, sisters Ruby and Adele and his wife Doreen in 2017.
He is survived by his daughter Karen (Donn) Kraynick of Canora, SK and son, James Frank of Vancouver, BC along with grandson Lee Kraynick, Golden, BC and granddaughters Jan (Mark) Fairbairn, Saskatoon, Kathryn (Tyler) Bothorel, Saskatoon and Colleen (Tyson) Nagy, Yorkton, SK; 8 great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial and inurnment will be held at a future date. Donations in memory can be made to a charity of one's choice.