Eugene R. Whitten
April 20, 2020
Obituary
Eugene R. Whitten, retired St. John’s barber and owner of Eugene’s Hair Styling, passed away Monday, April 20th, 2020 at the age of 82 following a difficult battle with Parkinson’s disease. Eugene is remembered with love by his wife, Barbara; his children, Jill (Emory) and Darren (Renée); his grandchildren, Vanessa, Owen and Keira; his siblings, Patsy, Doug and Bobby (Karen); his brothers-in-law, Paul and Carl; his sisters-in-law, Brenda and Mabel; and special friends, Patsy Leonard, Jim & Jeanette Bradbury, Brian & Josephine Taylor and Bruce & Beryl Manual. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” A celebration of Eugene’s life will be held privately at a later date.
Barb & Family , we are so sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing last month. I only just saw it on Carnell’s website. Deepest sympathy from Dave and I. Dave grew up on Leslie Street so he recalls going down to Eugene’s barber shop to have his hair cut many times.
God bless you all ????????
Barb and Jill and Darren, I am so sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and all the family. The pain has finally left him and he is at peace! RIP Eugene and may the angels take care of you. God Bless
Bernadette and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Barb and all the family on Eugene’s passing. Although it’s been a while since I’ve seen him, I remember well when he had his barber shop on the west end of Water Street and I was a regular customer. He always had a smile, a good word and a funny story to tell for everybody. Rest in peace Eugene.
Barb please accept our sincere condolences on your loss of Eugene you are in our thoughts and prayers
To Barb and family. So sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. May his soul rest in peace
I grew up on the southside road and getting my hair cut from Eugene was so much fun,I always remember him being so kind and caring,really handsome too with his million dollar smile.So sorry to his family especially in this new way of mourning.May god Rest his soul and bring peace to you all in this time of Grief.
To Barb, Jill, Darren and family, all my sympathy , love you all. Barb , I want to thank you for the love and care that you gave during the last few years. My brother couldn’t have had a better partner by his side. I will love and miss him always , love you all , Patsy
To Barb , Jill and Darren , all my sympathy and love going your way , a great husband and father and brother and uncle . He will be missed greatly . All my thoughts, Bobby
To Barbara: Deepest condolences to you and your family.
We would like you to know tha Gene was a wonderful neighbor and we will miss him.
by Elizabeth, Brittany, Benjamin and Paul Easley
Barb and Family
Our condolences to you and Family. Our thoughts are with you. Treasure your memories and take care of each other.
Dot & Charlie Power
Barb and family. so sorry to hear of eugene, passing .uur prayers are with you. mary and jim hobbs.
What a great loss of a very kind man. He always had a smile for anyone and always there to brighten your day. So many memories of a wonderful man and neighbour. My fondest memory is of my wedding day when he arrived on the doorstep to video my day from start to finish. He wasn’t asked, he just did it. The video is still part of my life and I look back on it fondly with loving memories of this wonderful man. My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Whitten, Jill and Darren.
Barb, Jill, Darren and Family,
As our neighbor and friend for just over 32 years, Gene’s humor and quick wit entertained us on many occasions. Whether it was his maticulas way of cutting the lawn or fixing the front step, he always had his own way of doing things, no matter what Barb’s opinion was..lol!! He was always there to help our family in anyway he could, especially when my Dad struggled with his own battle with Parkinson’s, and would come to cut his hair at his home. We will miss him terribly????. Rest Easy Gene???? – Take care of each other❤.
Heather & Kevin Murphy and Family
Barb and family.
So sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. ours prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
It was sad to hear of Eugene’s passing after such a difficult struggle with Parkinson’s. Barb ;you were so caring and did everything to make life less difficult as Eugene’s condition progressed. He was a wonderful person and we have fond memories of the times we shared. We know that the days to follow will not be easy. We will miss seeing him on our next visit. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love.
Barb and Family.
I was so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. My deepest condolences. It was always a pleasure bumping into him every now and again and having a chat. I will always remember him as a kind and caring guy with a beautiful smile. I hope you will find joy and comfort in your wonderful memories in the days ahead. May he now rest in peace.
Our sincere and deepest condolences to the family..
Bill & Joy Billard
Barb, Jill & Darren,
Please accept my sincere condolences. I knew Jean for many years & it was always such a pleasure to have a chat whenever we met. Jean was such a kind person who I can still picture in the Barber shop.
May Jean Rest In Peace & May God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
Noreen Hokden
So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing,I am sure he will be greatly missed by many people..May your fond memories help you through.this .
Barb, Jill & Darren
We are greatly saddened to hear of Eugene’s passing. We have many fond memories of all the good years in
Wedgewood Park. He was a pleasant and caring parson. He will be sadly missed .Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
So sorry to hear that Eugene has gone to Heaven.He was the wonderful p,atient and kind man who cut my four boys hair from the time they were toddlers until he retired
So many beautiful memories , Our deepest sympathy to Mrs Whitten and his family
He always had a smile on his face . May he rest in peace
Barb & family our deepest & most sincere sympathy on Eugene’s passing. Lenora & Dave Walsh
So sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing.
May he rest in peace.
hi barb Jill and Darren sorry to hear about ur husband dad and uncle to me. he was a beautiful person and he will be missed buy all who knew him.. love to all from your nephew and cousin billy.
My deepest condolences to Barbara and her family on the passing of Eugene. I knew Eugene for many years. We played hockey together and I always enjoyed meeting him over the years. He was a special person who will be dearly missed.
-Jim Casey
Mrs. Whitten, Jill and Darren,
I am sorry to hear about the passing of your husband/dad. It was only last week that Dad and I were speaking of him with fond words. He was a wonderful part of our community all growing up. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you have made over the years.
Thinking of you all.
Deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Whitten. He was a lovely man….. always so kind to our family and along with Mrs. Whitten, Jill and Darren, a wonderful part of the Wedgwood Park community.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Kindest regards.
Barb, Jill and Darren, so sorry for your loss. I couldn’t have asked for better neighbours to grow up next to and Eugene was always such a friendly, caring part of my life. Whether it was when I was a kid playing with Darren in the backyard or in more recent years during visits home, he’d always be kind and interested in how I was or what I’ve been doing with myself.
Thinking of you all.
My family was so sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing.. He was not only my barber for many years. he was a personal friend and we had many chats about all kinds of things whenever we met. We had the privilege of buying a small travel trailer from him in the 1970’s that we enjoyed for many years. He was indeed a gentleman.
Mrs. Whitten, Jill and family. So sorry to hear about Mr. Whitten. I remember him as such a nice and funny man growing up with a smile and a flair for style! Thinking of you during this time.
Jim (Jimmy) Lambe
Our sincere condolences to you Barb and your family,
We remember Eugene well, he will be missed.
Fred and Thrlma Wornell
To Barbara., Jill, and Darrin. We expected to hear of Eugene passing. The past few years have been difficult. It does not lessen our sadness when we received the news. For more than 45 years we have valued Eugene’s friendship and presence as our next door neighbour. We felt good knowing you were both next door. We admired the park like setting he created in your backyard, and the luscious green lawn in front of your house . We benefitted from his advice whether it was car maintenance or gardening tips. We will miss him. Jean and Lloyd Brown
Barb & Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Eugene’s passing. I have fond memories of time spent with him from his time in Stephenville, he was for sure a part of our family and my parents thought the world of him. May the wonderful memories of your years as a family bring you comfort and peace at this sad time. Please accept my Deepest Sympathy. God bless you all now and always. Sincerely,
Mrs. Whitten, Jill and Darren,
I was both shocked and saddened to learn of your husband/Dad’s recent passing. So many wonderful memories my Mom and Dad and my family have of all of those special times in Wedgewood Park, not the least of which was how Mr. Whitten would always win the “Light up For Christmas Contest.” every year!!
He was Dad’s barber for many years and continued to cut Dad’s hair even from his home on Glenyere Street. Dad always said “nobody could cut hair like Eugene Whitten.” Everytime I saw him in he would ask about Mom and more recently about how Dad was doing since Mom’s death.
He was a lovely man….a true gentleman. There is no doubt how heavy your hearts are at this very sad time.
Please accept mine and Dad’s sincere condolences. He was one of a kind in the very way.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Daphne Edison
To Barb and the Whitten Family . So Sorry for Your Loss . Gene was such a Wonderful and Caring
.Person and A Good Friend Always a Smile and a Warm Hello ..May God give Him the Peace he Earned , He will be Remembered
Your Friend
Patrick Downey
To Barb and family:
It brought tears to my eyes to see Gene’ obit; he was my valued barber and friend for many years. The love for his family and friends was always on display with Gene. He treasured them. We played hockey together with the Martin gang , and I vividly remember how distraught he was in his mid 70’s and had to give up the game.. He was an all round good scout: RIP Buddy
Barb &Family
We were saddened to hear of Eugene’s passing. he was a wonderful man and I have some very fond memories of Gene during his time in Stephenville. He was “a member” of our family and was always so much fun to be around. I remember the Sunday evening meals at our home with all the laughter around our dining room table. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family now and in the days ahead. May his memory be a blessing. RIP Eugene.
Barb,
So sorry to hear about Eugene’s passing. Every time I spoke with Eugene I was always left with the impression that his main focus in life was your well being. And his family of course. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Deepest Condolences to the Family so sorry for your lost…Eugene has touched many lives he touched our family’s life when he worked in Stephenville ,at the Harmon Air Force Base. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing g him may all your beautiful family memories will help you all at this sad time
Ruby (( Bert))Wheeler
& Family
I have fond memories of Eugene from his earliest days operating from his shop on Water Street west. We remained friends throughout the years. I would always look forward to meeting him at the moves at the Avalon Mall on Monday nights. We would always share a few jokes and some memories. One of his favourite jokes was that he spent the best three year of his life in grade four at Holy Cross and I would tell that in my case it was St. Pat’s. My sincerest condolences go out to Barb and their family. RIP my friend.
Barb & Family;
So Sorry to read of the Loss Of Eugene, Eugene was my Barber since about 1962 on Water St Then later in his own Home where he was also My Neighbour in Wedgewood Park also a Friend up until I Moved Away,
I always Looked Forward To Going To Eugene for my hair cut as well as having a good chat and Both he & I would
Solve all the Problums of the world and have lots of Laughs doing it Now Of Course Nobody Listened To Us And The Problums Are Still There, Anyway Eugene Was A Good Guy and I Know That Eugene Had A Lot Of Friends And He Will Be Missed, RIP Eugene and No More Pain.
Barbara & Family :So sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. As you know ,I worked along side him for 12 years. Always enjoyed his company & his sense of humor. Wonderful memories. Thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. RIP……Eugene.
Darren and family,
So sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Barb and family sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time, many good times were had when relived in St john’s
To Barb and Family. So sorry to hear of Eugene,s passing . Extending sincere condolences to you all… Biz Kavanagh
To Barb and Family
I was deeply saddened to learn of Eugene’s passing today.
I began a visiting his hair styling salon in 1970 while still a student at MUN.
He cut my hair from then until he had to give up his business because of his illness some years ago.
Some 25 years after I stated visiting him he gave my son his first haircut and I remember it well.
A visit to Eugene’s was always a pleasant experience. A great chance to have talk about any number of subjects be it current affairs, the political climate or the weather. He was always engaging and he was skilled at his work.
I am pretty sure he was one of the first to introduce men’s hair styling to the St. John’s area and as I recall he had a varied clientele and you never knew who you would meet at his Water Street location.
On behalf of my son and me, I would like to extend sincerest condolences to you, Darren, Jill and your extended family.
My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time, compounded by the health situation we are presently experiencing.
May you find strength in knowing that he was well –liked by those who knew him and he will be missed greatly by all of us.
Richard and Ben Sparkes
Barb; So saddened by Gene’s passing – there’s a big void in all our lives now. Our thoughts are with you and the family. We’re just a ‘phone call away.
Barb and family – I am so sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing . We were neighbors in Wedgewood Park over 40 years ago . I have very fond memories of playing hockey together for over 25 years . He was true gentleman who always had a smile and a chat . After we moved to a new home Donna and myself always would run into Barb and Eugene at a movie and take time to catch up .
On a personal note – Eugene was one of the people who helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life 40 years ago . Eugene was always my barber and I developed a condition know as Alopecia which causes you to loose all your hair . Eugene would have me come to his home where he would cut what hair I had remaining to hide the bald spots . Eventually the decision was made to shave the head and get a wig . With Eugene’s help and kindness I was able to get through that difficult time . For that I am eternally grateful .
Rest in peace good friend
Sincere condolences to you Barbara and your family at this difficult time! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Barbara and family sorry to hear Eugene passed away our condolences I grew up with Eugene regards joe and kay tracey
Barbara our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Gene was the life of the party and will be missed by us for a long time as we remember the good times we had together.
Barbara and Family We are so sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of a loving husband and father.
So sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing .Our sincere condolences Barb to you and your family
My sincere condolences to the family. I hope you find peace in your happy and loving memories of Eugene. God bless.
So sorry for Barbara and family Though I’m sure it was a blessing in the end. May you find peace in your happy memories.
Barbara, Jill & Darren..Sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing…I thoroughly enjoyed the time our families spent together in Wedgewood Park…and the many visits I made to his barbershop…he will always be remembered as being courteous, friendly and enjoying a good chat….He will be missed….sincere condolences…Eric Bugge
Paul & Family. Sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. I remember going for haircuts when he opened on Water Street. Always a pleasant time. He was a good man.
To the Whitten family. ; played hockey on Tuesday night for years with Eugene, always a happy person with an infectious smile loved playing with him . He was a gentleman both on and off the ice. He will be missed
Rest in peace Eugene you will be missed
.R.I.P. old friend..remember the good times we had..
To the Whitten family.
I remember becoming Eugene’s customer around
1962. The first week he opened on Water St. West..
He always gave an excellent haircut and his rendition of song playing on the radio.. One that comes to mind is
The lion sleeps tonight. Always a gentleman, always
Willing to please.
May he Rest In Peace.
Mike Ryan, Milton Ontario
To the Whitten family.
I remember becoming Eugene’s customer around
1962. The first week he opened on Water St. West..
He always gave an excellent haircut and his rendition of song playing on the radio.. One that comes to mind is
The lion sleeps tonight. Always a gentleman, always
Willing to please.
May he Rest In Peace.
Mike Ryan, Milton Ontario
Barb, Jill and Darrin,
We are sorry to know that Gene has passed but he didn’t go alone. We know that part of you went him the day God called him home. He was a good husband, father, son and brother. He was a wonderful neighbour to us over the years and things will not be the same without him. He is now your special angel until you meet again. God bless you all. Rest in peace Gene free from pain.
Barb and family
Our sincerest condolences on Eugene’s passing..
We have many memorable memories of him, always very pleasant and ready to party.
May he Rest In Peace.
Thinking of you and the family at this difficult time.
Barb and family
my sincerest condolences on your loss.
May he rest in peace
Our sincere sympathy to you Barb and your family Eugene was always so cheerful himself and had a smile for everyone
Barb and Family.
Sincere condolence re Eugene’s passing.. I understand his circumstances progressed since Xmas. Just knowing he is No longer suffering is at least some relief. May all your Happy Memories help at this time. He was always humorous , and life of the part.y. We enjoyed many fun times together. Thoughts & Prayers are with you. & family.
To Eugene’s family
I was a customer of Eugene’s from the time I was a young teen right up to the time he had to stop cutting hair .
He was a true gentleman and a great barber and it was always a pleasure to share a few stories and laughs .
Rest easy Eugene
Herb Feaver
Barbara and family
My condolences on Eugene’s passing.. I remember many trips to the barber shop in my years growing up in the west end.. Gene was always so pleasant and good for a few laughs.
May he rest in eternal peace.
Barb::
Shocked and so sorry to hear of Eugene’s passing. Always had a nice chat when I’d run into him over the years. He was always pleasant and smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Barbara & Family
Sincere condolences on the passing of Eugene. As a friend and customer of his for many years, he was a wonderful and humorous individual. God speed.
Mrs. Whitten, Jill, Darren,
We are sending our prayers to you from down here in Wyoming during this difficult time. Just as I am sure he did with many, Mr. Whitten had an unbelievable influence on me growing up. As a child I saw him as larger than life and the excitement at which he lived was an inspiration. I will always be grateful for the many memories and how he treated my family and I. Rest In Peace Mr. Whitten. Love Michael
Barbara & Family
Sincere condolences to you during this most difficult time…remember him well when he had his barber shop on Water St. We were in Oklahoma together – I think back in 1968. He was a lot of fun. BIG HUGS to you all!
RIP Eugene.
Please accept my deepest condolences on Eugene’s passing. I first met him a few days before he was to celebrate his 80th birthday; he was preparing for a celebration with family. He and my late father Gus Galgay were good friends as he hired my father when he first became a barber. It was a pleasure to have met him as I grew up hearing many wonderful stories about him.
Mrs. Whitten, Jill and Darren,
Our thoughts are with you all during such a difficult time. I have such special memories growing up and Mr. Whitten was a big part of that…….he certainly was the life of a party and always brought a smile to my face!
Sending you much love today and in all the days to come.
Love, Susan (Bradbury) and Terry Putt
So sorry to hear about Eugene, one of my favourite. Cousins.
Sincere Sympathy from a customer of long ago
BARBARA AND FAMILY.
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND ALL THE FAMILY.
EUGENE WILL BE ALWAYS LOVED AND MEMORIES OF TIME SPENT WITH HIM WILL REMAIN WITH US FOREVER.
HE WAS A SPECIAL FRIEND WHO COULD LIGHT UP EVERY ROOM.
Barbara and family
May your memories help you in the days ahead
My condolences on your loss
Marilyn Hogan
Barbara and family.
So sorry for your loss..Let all your wonderful memories help you through this time
Madeline White