WHEATLEY, Sylvester Frederick Delbert “Del”

October 18, 1931 — November 26, 2022

Today, Saturday, November 26, 2022, we are saddened as Del has departed this earth to take his richly deserved place in the Great Here After. As he requested there will be no service, I write this notice to honour his passing.

Del was the youngest and only son of 7 children and was born on October 18, 1931,to Fred and Dora Wheatley of Dodsland, Saskatchewan. He spent his early years on the large and prosperous farm south of Dodsland, but relocated to Chilliwack, BC in his early teens. Being of lean and lanky stature, he was quickly recruited to the Jr. High School Basketball team. He chose to leave that team and join the Chilliwack Aggies, who went on to garner several district and provincial titles. Being very athletic, he developed a strong pitching arm and was a welcome member of many teams as he wandered throughout western Canada.

In 1952, he left Chilliwack and began his 34 1/2 year career with the Dresser Family of oilfield companies. He worked in most of their stations, but he finished his career in the sales department in Edmonton, AB. Early retirement was offered in 1986 and relocation to the beautiful Okanagan Valley was our choice. Of course golfing became the game of the day, but he still was a faithful armchair quarterback for the green teams, the Oilers, and Okanagan Suns.

In 1953, in Stettler, AB, he met Fay Tennant, and they were married on August 27, 1954. Del was a very devoted husband to Fay and to this union three sons arrived: Richard, Raymond, and Robert (Linda). He was a proud and supportive Dad throughout all of his children’s endeavours in life.

Being blessed with a gregarious nature and a great sense of humour, he made a wide circle of friends. The family sends our thanks to all those who took time to bring him a few bright moments as he travelled through the throes of dementia and arthritis. A special thanks to Dr. Tim Murphy, Dr. B. Prozesky, and the staff at Spring Valley Long Term Care Centre.

Del was predeceased by his parents Fred and Dora Wheatley; sisters: Agnes (Elmer) Piercy, Esther (Arthur) Pummel, Elizabeth “Jo” (Albert) Clarke, Dora (Wendlin) Ostertag, Gwen (Bill) Calder, and Violet (Tom) Gibney; and his daughter-in-law “Nita” (Ray) Wheatley. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois “Fay”; sons Richard (ex-daughter-in-law Trish), Raymond, and Robert (Linda); 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; cousin Bill (Sharon) Wheatley; and may nieces and nephews.

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