Obituary of WHITWORTH – Hale

August 27, 1921 – May 31, 2010 Hale Whitworth, born in Lancashire, England on August 27, 1921, made his transition on May 31, 2010 at the Southwood Hospice. When Hale was 15 years old he joined the RAF as a boy apprentice and trained as an aeronautical mechanic, specializing in air engines, (Bristols and others). He was posted to Egypt and in 1941 to Canada. When he was demobbed, he immigrated to Canada. Hale was a strong cyclist as a young man in Europe and in Canada he was an ardent hiker with the Canadian Youth Hostel group in Calgary. He was a prolific reader with a wide range of interests. He became an engraver and worked for himself. In the late 1960’s he studied at University and graduated in Education, teaching shop for several years. In 1975 Hale married Steffany Springford, who predeceased him in 1997. The couple travelled frequently in the U.S. and Europe. Despite deteriorating sight and eventual blindness, Hale continued swimming several times a week and met with his friends regularly. He leaves behind two stepdaughters in Canada, Rosemary (Eric) Watkins of Qualicum, BC and Madeleine Osborne of Montreal, QC; and a niece, Christine (Terje) Munkerud of Creston, BC, as well as a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews in England. A Celebration of Hale’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, June 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to University Eye Foundation, c/o Dr. Stan Smith, 7524 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2V 1K1. In living memory of Hale Whitworth, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.