Dr. John Howard Mervyn Whitfield (September 11, 1939 to January 19, 2025) passed from this world at the age of 85.
John was born to Mervyn and Jean Whitfield, in his grandparent’s home, in North Livingston, and grew up down the road from there on a farm in Thessalon, ON. There he learned skills like milking cows, tending chickens, and driving tractors. In 1954 he left home to attend Great Lakes Christian High School in Beamsville, ON, where he met his future wife, Diane Huntsman. He graduated from there in 1957 and went to Abilene Christian University where he obtained his undergraduate degree in 1961. He furthered his education at Texas Christian University, obtaining his master’s degree in 1962, and at Case Institute, obtaining his PhD in 1966.
In the summer of 1965, while completing his PhD, John moved his growing young family to Fort William, and then, in the summer of 1966, settled at his long-time home on Woodside St. in Port Arthur. He dedicated his life to service both to his Lord and the community around him. John came with his life-long friend Gordon to fulfil their vision of starting a congregation associated with the churches of Christ in Ontario. They and their wives, Diane and Nora, were joined by
friends Dave and Jo-Anne who shared their dedication to teaching and service. Together these couples coordinated the spread of the gospel to children in the neighbourhood and provided thoughtful teachings to enhance the spiritual life of the adult members of the congregation. John regularly participated in helping the less fortunate at Shelter House Thunder Bay. Whatever John did, he strove to preserve the dignity of those around him.
John was a humble, dedicated, and loving family man who moved effortlessly between the worlds of farming and the board room, tricycle mechanic and university administrator, tinkering at home as a “jack of all trades” (he regularly achieved a “pro tem” fix) and researching his hyper-specialized area of mathematics, canoeing and fishing in the backwaters of Northwestern Ontario and travelling the world to promote Lakehead University.
John had a strong mathematical mind. His innate abilities in the world of mathematics opened doors for a rich career. In 1965, John began his 36-year career at Lakehead University where he acted as a widely respected (and according to some former students, widely feared) Lecturer (1965 - 1970), Professor (1970 - 1986), Dean of Arts and Science (1986 - 1990), VP (Academic) (1990 - 1997), Interim President (1997 - 1998) and VP Research and Development (1998 - his
retirement in 2001).
John lived a life of service. He was dedicated to enhancing and serving not only the university but his northern community at large through a wide range of board memberships. He was recognized for his strong work ethic and his uncanny ability to listen deeply and accommodate the needs of those around him in a fair, non-judgemental way. Again, proving his quiet desire to serve. Among countless other positions, these talents led him to be asked to help facilitate the amalgamation of Thunder Bay hospitals (McKellar and Port Arthur General), play a critical role in creating Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and to become the founding chair of the North West Local Health Integration Network, a position he held from 2005 to 2008 when he fully retired to care for his ailing wife.
Exemplifying his commitment to service, in 2009 John was honoured by L.U. with the designation of Fellow of the University. The award “is granted to individuals who have contributed substantially to the growth and development of Lakehead University.” A recipient’s service goes “above and beyond the demand of a career” including activity in the community and charity organizations.
One board membership that John held for many, many years was with the North Shore Fishing Club. John found rejuvenation in the outdoors. The silent glide of a canoe, usually with a fishing line trolling behind, provided quietude away from the rigors of work. He spent countless hours with Lorne, George, Don, and others paddling, fishing, and trying to stay awake until 9pm. It’s easy to imagine these men spending an entire day on the water without speaking, reveling in
solitude among friends. A day saying 40 words or fewer was considered a triumph. John remarked once after returning from such a trip, “This year I found out that Don’s daughter got married. Next year I’ll find out to whom.” John was a more than capable camp cook providing carefully thought-out meals he’d prepared in advance and had the much-appreciated ability to
John and Diane were intrepid in passing on their love of the outdoors to their children. If you think of a small station wagon crammed full with a family of six and a cat, pulling a tent trailer, and all the associated work to prepare gear, clothing, toys, and a cooler of food, you can see how dedicated they were to the task. By all accounts, their efforts paid off.
John enjoyed sports, particularly hockey. A lifelong fan of the Montreal Canadiens, he participated in hockey as president of the Grandview Hockey Association, was a long-time player in the “old-timers” league, and a staunch supporter at his children’s and grandchildren’s hockey games. Over the years he was an avid squash player, accomplished cross-country skier, and the member of various curling rinks.
In 1984 he moved his family to the current home at Crystal Beach, where much to his delight, the next generations bonded with Grandma and Grandpa on the beach and on family boat outings. If you were quick, you’d notice a tear of joy before the broad smile as he welcomed his grandchildren when they arrived for a visit. John was an observer, but he wasn’t removed. His hands were always busy making lunches or mixing lemonade or cleaning up while his heart was
filled watching the cacophonous children around him. He loved to be on the water and would load as many kids and lifejackets as he deemed safe and set out on excursions on the big lake. Fishing rods were always within reach.
After a heart attack slowed him down a bit, John spent more time engaged in the mental pursuits he enjoyed. He was a rarity with his accomplishments in mathematics combined with a literary mind. He could read French and, though he might not pronounce things correctly, had an impressive catalogue of words and phrases from many languages. He blasted through crosswords but would be very happy to set down his puzzle to watch the bird activity outside the
window – the birds being drawn there by his expansive bird-feeding system. He could easily name the owner of whatever birdsong he heard.
After the loss of Diane, John found a new chapter of love in life with Joy Himmelman. He was as devoted to her as she to him. They enjoyed travel, many activities in the community, and time with family and friends, particularly “out at the lake.”
In his last years, John was a resident at Bethammi Nursing Home. Joy’s affection and dedication to John was evident in her long daily visits to help with meals, bringing snacks from home, and the occasional concurrent nap. The staff at Bethammi was ever present with the necessary (and beyond necessary) care needed. The richness and depth of personal care they provided was an untold blessing. The family is indescribably grateful to them.
John is survived by his adoring wife of 8 ½ years, Joy Himmelman and her children Natalie and Emma (Brandon Kennedy).
John was married to Diane for 54 years, until her death in 2015. He is survived by their children Karen (Grant Halls), their children Daniel, Jeremy, Timothy, Scott, (Jonathan, the late Heather, Kevin, Robyn); Megan (John Trudeau), their children Andrew, Katy, Benji, (Jamie, Rachel, Amanda); Brian (Ria Gilroy), their children Mara, Malia, Miana, Madeline, John, (Zoe, Sam, CJ); and Evan (Brenda Joyner); a long list of the grandchildren’s partners, and a growing number of
great-grandchildren.
John was loved by his siblings, the late Goldie Whitehead (the late Morris), Elwood (Katie), Charlie (Linda), Ruby Ford (Arthur), the late Robert (Marilyn), Diamond Rancourt (Jason), Lawrence (Lily), and his sister-in-law Jean Huntsman.
In keeping with John’s dedication to helping others, and his long history of supporting charities, in lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 348 Waverly St., in Thunder Bay, Ontario on February 22, 2025 at 11AM with reception to follow.
Our hearts are filled with memories and we are grateful to have had his loving presence in our lives. Now he sits quietly at the right hand of his Lord.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
