It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur Dennis Whittaker, who passed away, at the age of 94, on Wednesday, August 19, in Oshawa, Ontario.
Dennis was born in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, England, near Nottingham, and grew up during the difficult years of the Second World War. Following his father William’s terminal illness, he was raised primarily by his grandmother, who played an important role in his upbringing.
In 1960, Dennis immigrated to Canada. He first settled in British Columbia before moving east to Ontario, later returning to the United Kingdom for a time before coming back to Canada in 1972. His engineering career took him around the world and raising his family across Canada, including Newfoundland, before he eventually settled in Oakville and later Whitby, Ontario.
Dennis built a long and respected career as a consulting engineer specializing in the steel industry, including work with Ferrco Engineering and Hatch & Associates. He was highly regarded for his knowledge, experience, and commitment to his profession.
Outside of his career, Dennis enjoyed golf and, following his retirement, developed a passion for woodworking, finding great satisfaction in creating things with his own hands.
As a father to his two sons, Stephen and Christopher, Dennis was strong-willed and believed deeply in the importance of respect, hard work, and standing by one’s principles. He was also willing to listen to viewpoints different from his own. These were values he passed on through both his words and how he lived his life through determination, hard work, and perseverance.
In his later years, Dennis’ greatest source of pride and joy was his family, particularly his grandchildren — Rebecca, Victoria, Alexander, Matthew and Andrew — and his great-grandchildren. He took great pleasure in watching them grow, following their lives, and celebrating their accomplishments.
Dennis lived a life marked by determination, achievement, and devotion to family. He will be remembered for his intelligence, strength of character, strong will, and sense of responsibility, and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.
Dennis was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy Whittaker, who passed away in September 2013. Their meeting felt as though it was destined, with fate bringing them together to share a life filled with love. Dorothy was truly the love of Dennis’ life, and the family they had built together was the most important part of his story. Her memory remained forever cherished in his heart.
Dennis will be remembered for his strength of character, intelligence, determination, strong will, sense of responsibility, and devotion to his family. He also possessed a brilliant and dry sense of humour—one that could sometimes be easily missed, but for those who truly knew him and understood his wit, it was unlike any other. His unique humour brought laughter and warmth to those fortunate enough to share in it, and it will be sorely missed. Dennis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched.” His memory will live on in his family, in the lessons he taught his sons, and most of all in the great-grandchildren of whom he was so very proud.
Arrangements entrusted to the Oshawa Funeral Home 847 King Street West.
