Columnists
Until we meet again
Earlier this month, The Times lost a dedicated member of its family. Roger Whittaker passed away at the age of 90. Roger was the true definition of a newspaperman. He studied journalism at Colorado State University, set in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. He found a job with the Kamloops Sentinel. Then across the country to the Saint John Telegraph-Journal. He moved west, taking a job with the Peterborough Examiner under then-editor Roberstson Davies. In the mid-fifties he headed further west, joining the Winnipeg Free Press. That is where he met Patricia. A year later they were married. While with the Free Press, Roger began filing stories to the Toronto Star on a freelance basis. In 1959, the Star lured Roger to Toronto, hiring him as copy editor. He would also write feature stories. Pat found a job with the CBC as the Star would not hire married couples in those days. Roger and Pat were then drawn to Wellington in 1992. They operated a B&B, on the corner of West and Noxon Streets—the Rose and Thistle. Like many, they immersed themselves in the community. This is when Roger’s passion was reignited, and he fell in love with The Times.
I first met Roger in the spring of 2010. I had just started at The Times, and Roger would come in and proofread the paper alongside Pat, and then later, Robin Baranyai, each week. I still remember our first exchange. Roger—somewhat frail even at that time—had asked where I went to school. Fittingly, his response ended with a witty pun, and a big clever smile. This was my first introduction to Roger’s “pun gene” as Pat refers to it. And it certainly wouldn’t be my last. There were many more where that came from. But, most of all, I was amazed that although there was some 57 years between us, we could see eye to eye on many issues. And he always treated me with respect. Roger’s witty humour, poetry and, most of all, his big smile, will certainly be missed.
The Wellington business community also lost a member of its family this week. Nick Worsley announced via social media that the time had come to close the doors of The General, leaving a large void to be filled on Main Street. For me, and many, The General was a good escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy day. Nick was always smiling, ready to take your order, while his three children watched on. And, it was the hot spot to find an interesting conversation amongst locals around the table.
I will miss the community-minded spirit that Nick and his family had. Always willing to lend a hand, whether it was for a fundraiser, or as an outlet to sell Canada Day T-shirts. It’s safe to say that The General was more than just a store to Nick and his customers, and I know I speak for everyone when I say The General was certainly a special place, and it will be missed. I look forward to witnessing the Worsleys’ next adventure.
On that note, there is no better time than now to support local businesses. Many have created unique ways to still offer their products to the public. On the weekend I ordered two sweaters and a bottle of cider from Fieldbird Cider. It arrived on my doorstep the next day. Many local breweries and wineries are doing the same. Let’s embrace our local entrepreneurs, and ensure they are still around when this pandemic is in the rear view mirror.
The Times is a must read for me even if I have to look everywhere for the latest version. T he Times is my idea of a real village paper keeping everyone in touch with the village and surrounding news. I live outside of the village but still enjoy so much reading the news every week. I enjoy all your columnists as much as I do my daily read of the Globe and Mail . If I could subscribe to it ,I would be so happy because then Id be sure of getting the latest. I c ouldnt resist complimenting on your paper, good work.