Obituary of Vincent Whitehead

November 16/1937 – August 7/2015 Vince’s family sadly announce his passing on August 07, 2015 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital following a diagnosis of Lung Cancer in June of 2014 and subsequent deteriorating health issues. Vince was born in Zealand on November 16, 1937, to parents Hazel (Graham) and Harold Whitehead, both deceased. He began his working career at Neil’s Hardware on Queen Street, then learned the Auto Body and Refinishing trade during an apprentice program with Ron’s Autobody and went on to work at various body shops in Fredericton…Clark’s, Ashfields, Tempesta Motors in Dexter, Maine, Katahdin Motors in Millinocket, Maine and Capital Garage in Fredericton. Vince started his own business Vince Whitehead Auto Body, which he operated for many years until ill health forced him into retirement. Vince loved cars and trucks, of which he had over 30 different models in his lifetime, purchasing his latest vehicle on July 8, 2015. He was a gun collector and owned various types, including vintage models. He loved driving in the woods in his 4x4, going to the camp with the guys, hunting and fishing. He was so excited about being chosen in the moose hunt draw, after applying for many years and being unsuccessful. He had his designate hunter chosen, although we were quite uncertain as to how this might play out, due to his deteriorating health, however he was enjoying the ‘armchair’ preparation. Vince liked to work with his hands, painting lawn ornaments and other small items. He was very proud of his ‘man cave’ downstairs, where he had various special lights which were gifts from friends, his gun, brass, and model car collection as well as other memorabilia which meant so much to him. Vince loved animals of which we were ‘parents’ to many over the years….dogs Hobo and Kurt; cats White One, JC, Tuxedo, Spice Girl (now deaf and blind, but Vince warned her that she was not to go before he did), Munchkin and Nutmeg. He loved travelling by car in the state of Maine, while visiting friends and relatives and made his final trip in June of 2015 to attend the graveside services of two of his cousins. Vince is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanie (Bailey) and son Brad (wife Jodi) of Charlottetown PE; cousins Dot O’Bar Naugatuck, Ct, and Allison Whitehead, Fredericton, NB. He was predeceased by cousins Edna Greeley and Polly Wood (Lloyd), both of Pittsfield, Maine. A Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Monday, August 10, 2015 from 3 to 7 pm with a Funeral Service at the Nashwaaksis United Church on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 2 pm with Rev J.D. Kennedy officiating. Vince’s chosen honourary pallbearers are Ralph Harding, Mike Ellingwood, Phil Chabot, Ronnie Fraser, Duayne MacKay and Adam Murphy. If you choose to do so, donations can be made to the F’ton SPCA (or to a Humane Organization in your area), CARMA or Stray Bits (F’ton). Many thanks for the compassionate care Vince received in ER and 3 East during the past few days. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com