Leonard Martin Whitten
May 29, 1935 to July 7, 2023
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Leonard Martin Whitten, surrounded by loves ones on July 7,2023 at age 88.
Left with rich and wonderful memories is the love of his life for 62 years, Joan Whitten, his children Jeff Whitten, Vicki Spurrell (David), and the apple of his eye granddaughter Sydney Spurrell (Vancouver).
Predeceased by his parents Arthur Donald Whitten, Selina Whitten(nee Pitcher) and Brother Donald Whitten.
Born in St. John’s in 1935, he grew up on the Southside then moved to Pennywell Road. In 1960 he started his career with the federal government public service and moved to Valleyfield , where he worked in the federal government experimental fish processing plant. In 1962 he met and married his true love Joan Bown from Badger Quay, they had 2 children. His career moved him to St. John’s and he created a home at 38 Baird Place.
He started his cabin living at Windmill Bight and after 38 years he retired and built his dream cabin on the Pond (Gambo Pond) where he shared his love of salmon fishing with his wife. They spend many years fishing, hunting, berry picking, playing cards and sharing meals with their family and friends. He loved every sweet treat Joan made.
Special thanks to a wonderful son in law, David Spurrell, sisters in law Betty Winsor and Eva Jones (Alf), the Paramedics Palliative Care Program and the Community Health Nurses.
A celebration of his incredible life will take place at a later date
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Whiten. In the fall of 1986 I, along with my friend, rented the apartment at 38A Baird Place for my university year. Mr. Whitten always provided transportation for me to attend band practices and Sunday meetings at the St. John’s Salvation Army Temple. I was so thankful for his kindness. Being new to the city and being able to attend and participate in church as I always had was a blessing, and I never forgot about his kindness.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I pray for peace as you go through this difficult time.
Joan and family. Saddened to hear of Leonard’s passing.. It was always great sharing memories of our friendship whenever we met. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Doris & Hector. Wesleyville.
Our sincere condolences to all the family of Len Whitten..
Sincerely
Dave & Sylvia Hudson.
Joan and Family
Sad to hear of Len’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers go out o you.
Take care. and all the best
Jean and Milton
To Len’s family, Ray and send our sincere condolences. We were saddened to read of his passing. I have wonderful memories of working with Len. We had a lot of laughs and he was an office expert and mentor on everything related to pay and benefits. What a lovely man he was. God Bless
So sorry for your loss..Thoughts and prayers are with you..
Shirley (Spurrell) England
To the family of Len: Sorry to hear of Len’s passing. I remember his fondness for Gambo Pond and spending his summers there! Will miss him at the morning services at the Salvation Army Temple where we both attended! Sending sincere condolences! Fern Lutz
Sad to hear of Len’s passing,, He was an icon here on the pond. Especially this time of year when salmon are running ,to see Len and Joan heading to their favourite fishing spots , which they knew better than most fishermen in this area. He will be missed but not forgotten. A gentle man with a big heart. Condolences to Joan and family
Joan, Jeff and Vicki:
John and I are saddened to hear of Len’s passing and send our condolences. I first met Len on July 16, 1969, the day I joined the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Personnel Branch. He was certainly one of the finest gentlemen with whom any employee could wish to work. He was very dedicated and knowledgeable in all aspects of Pay and Benefits work and was well respected. I really enjoyed working with Len. After his retirement and my own retirement, John and I met him on several occasions, usually at the Avalon Mall and our chats were long and interesting. He would always mention his family and how you were all doing. He will certainly be missed. We pray that the blessing of God in whom Len had so much faith will be with you all as you mourn his passing and at the same time give thanks for his life. May the wonderful memories of your time together bring you peace and comfort.
Myrtle Soper
Our sincere condolences to Joan, Jeffery, Vicki (David) and Sydney on Len’s passing. He will be missed on Gambo Pond. We have fond memories of Len and Joan motoring to their favourite salmon fishing spots. Whenever Len was at Gambo Pond he would drop by for a chat and a mug of tea. He was a humble man and enjoyed life to the fullest. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.
Joan, Jeff, and Vicki, so saddened to read of Len’s passing! Only a couple of weeks ago I saw you both out for your walk on Baird Place. He was a wonderful man, and he and Murray had great chats about their days at Fisheries and Oceans. I’ll miss seeing him on his strolls. My condolences to all the family.
Mrs. Whitten, Jeff and Victoria:
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and a kind and gracious neighbour.
Joan and Family :
First of all we would like to say what a wonderful man Len was. We offer our sincerest condolences to you all and we want to express how happy we were to be part of your Gambo Pond Family for so many year. The great times we had on that pond are to many to count. The meals we had together and the Labour Day horseshoe tournaments are treasured memories. that we will never forget. We share in your loss and we rejoice in all our memories together. Our thoughts and love are with you all at this difficult time.
To Joan and family
Our deepest condolence on the passing of Len.
We shared many a meal , cards and chats on the pond (Gambo Pond.. Cherish your memories . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time
Jack and Judy
To Aunt Joan, Vicki and Jeff, I am sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Len. Ian contacted me to let me know of his passing and as I said to him I always remember the quiet manner and warm smile of Uncle Len. It was always a pleasure to spend time with the family of Nana and Grandpa Bown when we travelled to Newfoundland and I know we all felt grateful to feel so loved and appreciated by all family. I remember Uncle Len was a member of the Salvation Army and I am sure he will be missed by his congregation. I am grateful for my fond memories of your wonderful husband and father. Sincere condolences.
To Joan and family
We are so very saddened to hear of Len’s passing.. We have such great memories of the Whitten family …. I can hardly remember a conversation with my father (Tom Curran Sr) without the name of Len Whitten coming up.. The closeness of our families made us feel at times as if we were all one family.. Gambo Pond played such a big part of our world and the fishery and salmon fishing in particular was never far from our thoughts. Boats and engines were sprinkled in there also. We extend to you and all your family our most sincere condolences and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
To Joan and Family, . We were saddenned to hear of Len’s passing.. I met Len the first day he arrived in Valleyfield to work with the Federal Govt at the Experimental Plant. I give him a tour of our area and found him to be a true gentleman and was looking forward to getting settled in to his new job. A few months later he contacted me about driving to St Johns with him for the long weekend. I was very exicited as it would be my frist trip to St Johns by road.. We made the trip in his Red Volks Wagon over 8 hours each way over dusty gravel road. It was a great Weekend, we sayed with his parents and brother Don on Pennewell road.. I have so many memories of len i will cherish forever,
Please accept our deepest condolences we have you all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time
To Joan, Jeff, Vicki, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you on the loss of a dear husband, father, and grandfather. We have fond memories of him and your family at Gambo Pond. years ago. Len was a fine gentleman and a good neighbour. Sincere sympathy to all at this sad time.
Len and Heather Singleton
We are saddened to hear of Mr. Whitten’s passing; we will miss him at the pond. Condolences to Joan and family.
Nancy, Jim (Feltham) and family
Sincere condolences to Joan and families.I knew Len quite well when i was stationed in Badger’s Quay and Wesleyville.RIP Len.
Sincere Sympathy on the passing of your loved one.
Always enjoyed His chats when we lived and walked around the Baird St Area..
Mrs. Whitten, Dave, Vicki:
We are so deeply saddened by Mr. Whitten’s passing.
He was a true gentleman. Always willing to help and provide the young family next door with advice and a kind word. Our children grew-up next door with an adopted Uncle and we feel truly blessed to have known him.
The world is a smaller place with the loss of such a BIG heart.
Dwayne, Dana, Sarah, Michael, Ryan (Rowe)
My sincere sympathy to Joan and all his family.
Rex Gibbons
Jeff & Vicki,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. Enjoy the memories as you go through the grief, they will help you get thought it. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your Mom at this time.
Margo ( Stewart) Hand
Hi Vicki, Jeff and family.,
My condolences on the passing of your father.
We are very saddened to hear that our good friend,Len,has passed away. Always a joy to be around since first meeting Len at Mac Donalds for coffee and
yarns and getting to know Joan. Daphne and I will cherish these get togethers. as the fondest of memories. To all of Len’s family we extend our deepestcondolences. Bud and Daphne Davidge
It’s with great fond memories of a fine man and a great client we remember this gentleman.
His kind and quiet demeanour was always a pleasure to experience
We, at Pritchetts TimbrMart, Gambo, pass on our condolences to his family. May God in his mercy bring the family a measure of peace and comfort. May the wonderful memories sustain you during the coming days
Kevin Pritchett and staff
Vicki , Jeff & family
Sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting your father- but over the years you’ve told me many stories of his kindness & generosity . Condolences to all the family
Kevin