by John Graham.
It is with profound and unrelenting sadness that I have to announce the passing of one of my dearest and longest friends, Brian Whitmore.
Brian passed away late yesterday from cancer. He was surrounded by his always loving wife and partner of over 40 years, Elaine Daniels. Brian was 74 or 75….he did not like to reveal such things.
I first met Brian as my English teacher at Spectrum School in the fall of 1976. We became fast friends and remained close friends up until his death. In his public life, Brian was best known as Spectrums longest serving teachers from 1976 until his retirement in 2009. Some 33 years.
In that capacity he was one of the original “Spectrum Hokies”, ran the yearbook for decades, ran the theatre for decades and became an important mentor to far too many students to count. In his personal life, as one of my closest friends, he was a rock. We went to countless concerts together over the years, Dylan, Stones, Joni Mitchell, we traveled on road trips, when going though tough times he was the “Bank of Brian”. We spoke each and every week at least once a week for the past 40 plus years. We argued, laughed and told each other harmless lies and fanciful tales. He knew every one of my secrets and I his.
Our weekly calls were legendary….generally lasting 2-3 hours each moving effortlessly from music, to politics to people. The calls were referred to by Elaine (his wife), as being that of 2 schoolgirls talking.Brian also formed a 9-person NFL football pool called Phutball. It has run continuously for 40 plus years. I was the last joining member and its youngest. I have been in that pool for 33 years.
Brian, after retiring from teaching also formed the Spectrum Alumni Association. He adored the school, he treasured his students and he gave all and left everything in his TA’s homeroom and his classes. To say I will miss him and his counsel is far too difficult for any words. Words, in this case, simply fail.
Brian Whitmore, gone.
Help us ensure Brian’s legacy by:
1: Donating to Spectrum Alumni Association’s Brian Whitmore Memorial Scholarship. Click here to donate
2: Adding your name to our petition to have Spectrum’s theatre renamed The Whitmore Theatre. Click here to sign
I’m beyond saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He has always been such a central hub of Spectrum, for staff and students alike. It is almost unthinkable to imagine him gone. I have so many great memories of this man, and count myself fortunate to have been a part of them for the 10 years I was on staff. His kindness, empathy, great sense of humour, dedication, warmth and talent will never be forgotten. Neither will the fun of being on our Spectrum staff golf team together for so many years. I will never forget that genuine and infectious laughter of his, or his smile. His warm, fuzzy spirit will always remain a part of the fabric that is Spectrum – and always will be. To you Brian. Thank you so much for your friendship – and many years of shared laughter. 🤎🥂🤎