Obituary of Elsie WHYTOCK

1915–2013 Elsie Whytock quietly drew a last breath on Monday, October 28, 2013, having lived a full and rewarding life. Friends and family attest, “she made a difference”. A spirited 98 year old, she lived every day to its fullest, epitomizing “if there is a will, there is a way”. A vibrant senior, in the past month, she danced at her granddaughters wedding in Nova Scotia; and was present, only a week ago, at the 30th AGM of the Seniors Club of Lake Bonavista Family Leisure Centre (Trico Centre), of which she was a founding director. Elsie believed that a life well lived is counted “not in how many breathes you take …. but, in how many life experiences take your breath away.” She was a world traveller, exploring Asia, Europe, the Caribbean , Latin America, Canada and the United States. Only a few years ago she was trekking the ruins of Ephesus Turkey, exploring the Greek Isles and bartering in the Plaka of Athens Philadelphia, USA was proudly her birthplace. As a young student she was singled out with an American Legion award for her “courage, character, service, companionship, and scholarship” … an assessment her family feel is applicable to her life as a whole. Elsie made many friends in southeast Calgary at the leisure centre, the seniors centre and Lake Bonavista Retirement Village. Outings to William Watson Lodge and touring the Alberta countryside were sources of fond memories. Golf was a passion – perhaps more than a skill … with friends she wandered the fairways of Maple Ridge. Elsie was a friend and the best of mothers to Kim (Cheryl) and Bill (Dana). Her values and lifestyle are in our genes. Grandmother to Christopher (Krissy), Jennifer (Greg), Hannah, and Lauren, Elsie was a source of pride and inspiration to all. Elsie was predeceased by Jack, her partner through over sixties years of family life and great times with their many friends and neighbours in Willow Park. Over the past year, she visited with many of her closest friends, for whom she cared a great deal … this announcement of her passing will hopefully recall a moment you shared during her life. At Elsie’s request a private gathering will celebrate her life. To send a message of condolence to the family, please visit McInnis & Holloway Funeral Home, www.mcinnisandholloway.com.