Biography:

Dr. Jack Gales Whitteker was born in Morrisburg, Ontario on the 22nd of September, 1903.  Dr. Whitteker was the 3rd of 4 children born to Ari C. Whitteker and the former Abigail Clarke.  His father managed an optical company and his siblings were; Dorothy Clarke Whitteker, Robert Edward Whitteker and Clarise Jane Wilna Whitteker.  By 1911, the Whitteker family resided in Toronto, Ontario and subsequently moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba prior to 1921.  Dr. Whitteker graduated from Kelvin Tech High School (now called Kelvin High School) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Dr. Whitteker and his older brother Robert both graduated in 1929 from the University of Manitoba Medical School.  While in university, Dr. Jack Whitteker enjoyed playing hockey.  His brother, Dr. Robert Whitteker practiced medicine in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.

Dr. Jack Whitteker married Ella Mae Underhill on the 22nd of May, 1930 in Winnipeg. Mrs. Whitteker was born on the 1st of October, 1900 in Strathclair, Manitoba.  She was the 10th of 12 children born to John Underhill and the former Margaret McGregor.  Her parents were farmers and her siblings were; Christina, Richard, Ethel, John (who died on the 10th of January, 1900 at the age of 9 years and 11 months), James, William, Alexander, Elizabeth, Margaret, Arthur and Hazel.

After their marriage, Dr. Whitteker practiced medicine in Glenboro, Manitoba.

In 1940, Dr. Whitteker purchased the home and medical practice of Dr. Thomas Ivison Barnby in Rodney (Elgin County), Ontario.  The home and office were located on the west corner of Stinson Street at the Clark Street intersection.  Birth and death records indicate that Dr. Whitteker made the short trip to Duart and Orford Township (Chatham-Kent) to see his patients.  In 1942, he was appointed as a Coroner.

According to his obituary that appeared in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (July 16th, 1960 edition Page 132), he is credited with being the first doctor in Canada to master the art of hypnosis and apply it successfully to his work.

Dr. Whitteker sat on the West Elgin District High School Board and the Rodney Horticultural Society.  Dr. Whitteker enjoyed growing roses and he enjoyed boating on Rondeau Bay.  Dr. and Mrs. Whitteker owned a cottage in Rondeau.

During the early 1950’s, Dr. and Mrs. Whitteker moved to the United States.  In 1953, Dr. and Mrs. Whitteker resided at 3540 Almeria Ave. in Sarasota, Florida.

Dr. Whitteker died in Orillia, Ontario on the 25th of May, 1960.  He was buried at Saint Andrews and Saint James Cemetery in Orillia.  Mrs. Whitteker died on the 5th of July, 1988.  She was buried at the Rodney Cemetery.

*Dr. Thomas Ivison Barby also appears on the Chatham-Kent Physician Tribute website.

**Mrs. Whitteker’s brothers William Underhill and James Underhill both served with the Canadian Armed Forces during WWI.