Obituary of William Robert Whyte
Dr. William Robert “Bob” WHYTE – St. Catharines
June 6, 1931 to Feb. 23, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Dr. William Robert “Bob” Whyte on Feb. 23, 2024 in his 93rd year.
He is predeceased by his parents, William Allan and Mary Ellen Whyte, his sister Evelyn Beaubien (Whyte) and brother Dr. John Whyte.
Bob was married to the absolute love of his life, the late Catherine Mary Leah “Mitzi” Whyte, for 66 years. He was the proud father of Bill (Elaine) Whyte, Patti Whyte, Cathy (Lorin) Pressé, Sandy (Larry) Jones and Jill (Daniel) Greben. Loving grandfather to Zack (Taylor), Jesse, Graeme, Nicole (Justin), Michelle (Tyler), Michael, Alexander, Rachel and Jon, and great grandfather to Henry, Theodore, Callie, Logan and Reese.
He was born and raised in Arnprior, Ontario and graduated from Queen’s University School of Medicine in 1955. It was in Kingston where he and Mitzi first met, and they married in Ottawa on Nov. 19, 1955 before settling down in St. Catharines, where Bob lived in the same home for 63 years until his passing. He was the last original homeowner on his street, and was overwhelmed by the kindness and support from many neighbours.
Bob was extremely passionate about his work as a physician and was well-respected by his colleagues at the St. Catharines General Hospital and Hotel Dieu Hospital, as well as by his patients. He was an anesthetist and a family practitioner and delighted in coming home during his breaks to play with his young children. From 1963 to 1970, Bob and his family spent a few weeks each summer in Haliburton where he worked as a camp physician and made lifelong friends.
Bob enjoyed travelling the world with Mitzi, hosting big family parties, reading newspapers and books every day, spending time on his porch, hiking, fishing trips up north and watching football and hockey. He had a particular soft spot for Hilton Head Island, the Caribbean and Europe. He was the beloved patriarch and “poppa” of our big, tight-knit family and was never too old to play with his grandkids and great grandkids. His laugh, sense of humour and sense of fun were infectious. Even amidst the joyful chaos of a big family, he made sure that every one of us felt special.
He lived his life to the fullest, and while our family is grateful that he enjoyed 92 wonderful years, no amount of time would ever feel like enough for us.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the University Health Network Foundation’s liver transplant program. This cause is extremely meaningful to Bob and to his family.
