It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of long-time Federation supporter Jack Whitmore, who suffered a fatal stroke at the weekend.
Jack was a stalwart of the Southern Federation Council, on which he served for twenty years from 1986. He was the Newsletter Editor in 1987-8, Secretary from 1995 to 2005, and served two terms as President, in 1990 and again in 2005/6. Jack was delighted to be able to participate in the launch of the 50th Anniversary Book ( which includes a nice photo of Jack), alongside four other Past Presidents. He continued as an active member of Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club until his death. We offer our sincere condolences to his wife Liz and all the family.
There is to be a service to commemorate Jack’s life. This will be held at Wessex Vale Crematorium, Bubb Lane, West End, Southampton on Wed. 21st May at 3.15p.m.
Please no black ties – it was his wish.
Family flowers only please. Donations in memory of Jack, in the form of cheques should be made out for “Ward F8, Acute Stroke Unit, Southampton General Hospital“, and may be sent to Waterside Funeral Home, 13-15 The Marsh, Hythe, Hants. SO45 6AJ.
Afterwards everyone is welcome to join the family at the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Winchester Rd, Boorley Green, SO32 2VA for light refreshments. Maps can be provided.
Victoria, his granddaughter, has suggested we have a “Memory Book” there for people to record their memory of Jack, humorous or otherwise. Please bring something with you, write it on the day or even later, but the book will then be something for the family to treasure and keep.
Jack (second from left) at the Anniversary Book launch in December 2013.
Kerry Sealy, at Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club, has also contributed some words that the club would like to share:
It is with great sadness that it was learnt that Jack Whitemore died on Saturday 10th May after a sudden massive stroke. Jack, with his wife Liz, were long-time Honorary Members of Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club, and recipients of the SCPF Roll of Honour in recognition of great service to club and Federation.
Few Federation members could fail to have heard of Jack. In his time he had been the Federation President on two occasions; secretary to the Federation from 1995 to 2001; news letter editor in 1987 and 1988; long-time member of the SCPF council; and a federation judge for many years.
In Viewfinders he had been a loyal member since the early 1980s serving in many committee roles including the chairmanship. He was to many the epitome of the ethos of the club which has aimed to be a friendly and welcoming group. Jack would go out of his way to greet new members and ran introductory courses for those who needed it. The Romsey Open Photographic Exhibition greatly benefited from his experience and organisational abilities over a number of years and it is true to say that without his and Liz’s total commitment would not have been the success that it was.
Most of all Jack will be remembered as one who had a great sense of humour who would never have said anything bad about anyone. A person who could always be relied on to be there when a job needed doing without being asked, and one who in his quiet way greatly influenced what was to be done without rancour.
We’ll miss you Jack, and our thoughts are with you Liz, and the family.