Wilmer Vernon SHERIDAN

Wilmer "Whitey" Vernon Sheridan January 04, 1916 - February 02, 2008 Peacefully at Regina Gardens in Hamilton, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Eileen Gladys (Thornton) for 68 years. He will be sadly missed by his children John (Judy), Ann (Budd), David (Arlene), Michael (Diane), Neil (Jan), Bonnie (John), Mary (Bruce), Wendy (Andrew), Judy (Fred), 28 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by parents John and Jeannette Sheridan, siblings Jack, Fred, and Marion and grandson Cory. Whitey's accomplishments and dedication within the national and international running communities is fondly remembered. As a teenager, Whitey won the Ontario Schoolboy 1 Mile championship, and placed seventh in an invitational meet in New Jersey. Offered a full athletic scholarship to Ivy League Seton Hall, Whitey instead stayed home to look after his widowed mother, taking a job in the Stelco blast furnace where he worked fo 40 years. In 1952, Whitey placed third in the Canadian Olympic Marathon Trials, narrowly missing qualification for the Helsinki Olympics. Other accomplishments include several second and third place finishes in the Around the Bay Race, competing in the Berwick, PA Run for the Diamonds fifty times, induction into the Canadian Road Running Hall of Fame, and having the Waterdown High School track named in his honour. For over 20 years, Whitey hosted a 15 km race at his home in Waterdown. His greatest pleasure, however, was making and visiting countless friends around the globe and at his home, the Runners' Roost. The family sincerely appreciates all the loving care provided by the staff at Regina Gardens. Visitation will take place at the KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill St., N., Waterdown, on Monday, February 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, February 5 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Runners are invited to honour Whitey with a run, Wednesday, February 6 at Memorial Park (Hamilton St., Waterdown), at 9 a.m. The Funeral Service will take place at ST. JAMES UNITED CHURCH, 306 Parkside Dr., Waterdown on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at Burlington Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Joy & Hope of Haiti (www.joyandhopeofhaiti.ca). Please sign the Book of Condolence at www.kitchingsteepeandludwig.com