[address upon his induction into the Agricultural Hall of Fame
courtesy of the Lloydminster Regional Archives]
John (Jack) Whiting was born in Lloydminster on May 17th, 1913. His parents had come from England to this country in 1906, settling six miles north of Lloydminster. Jack was the second eldest of six children and received his education at Westdene School.
While still a youngster, Jack learned to show pigs, cattle (both dairy and beef) and horses, and was a consistent winner at the Lloydminster Fair. In the late 1930's and ‘40's one of the Fair’s most popular competitions was a milk production class in which Jack’s entries figured prominently for several years.
After farming with his father for some time, Jack married Rose Campion in April 1943 and they started their farming career on the old Wetton place, four and a half miles north of Lloydminster. Their son, Don was born in 1945.
Jack was instrumental in the success of the 4-H movement in the Lloydminster area. He served for many years as leader of the Durness 4-H club where he was popular with the young people of the district. His interest in 4-H was not limited to his own Club, but to all young people involved in 4-H activities.
He was interested in sports, especially curling and golfing, and he was very active in the Streamstown Curling Club. One of Jack’s particular interests was the conservation of a small band of deer which he helped protect, even though living only two and a half miles from Lloydminster’s City limits.
Jack was involved in community affairs. He was a Director of the Lloydminster Credit Union from 1959 to 1977. He served on the Credit Committee from 1959 to 1961 and 1966 to 1977, being Chairman the last two years. He was also a member of the Britannia Masonic Lodge in Lloydminster.
Jack was conscientiously involved in the Lloydminster Exhibition Board. From his days as a youthful exhibitor. He became a volunteer, serving on the Board of Directors and on the Executive Committee for a number of years. Jack was always interested in and willing to help with any and all activities of the Association. His concern was for the financial solvency of the Association, and he was always ready to spearhead or assist in any fund-raising endeavor. Jack was many times a delegate to meetings of the Canadian Association of Exhibitions, Western Division and served a term as Vice-President of the Prairie Fairs Association.
The Whitings moved to Lloydminster when son Don and his wife Ruth took over the home farm. Jack continued to farm from town along with Don until his passing. Jack Whiting passed away on June 13th, 1977. He is the first Lloydminster-born inductee into this Hall of Fame.
There are some men who have a constancy of purpose; they carry their mission through life and never show any sign of bearing a burden. Such was the case with Jack Whiting. Pleasant, sensitive, and eager to lend a hand, his philosophy was to see a job started and finished. Lloydminster is a better place for having had Jack Whiting taking part in its growth.