Thomas Whitfield Obituary Thomas Royden Whitfield January 15, 1942 - Aug 12, 2022 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Royden, who we all affectionately know from his childhood nickname 'Bud'. Bud suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on August 6th and passed away in the care of the magnificent doctors, nurses and volunteers staffing the Palliative care unit at NRGH on August 12th. Thomas Royden Whitfield of Qualicum Beach, BC, formerly of Spruce Grove, AB, and Boissevain, MB, was born on January 15, 1942 in Boissevain, MB. He died peacefully surrounded by so much love. His immediate family holding his hands as he passed. He will be forever and lovingly remembered by his wife, Libby, his daughters Nicole Fewell (Chris) of Calgary, AB; Jocelyn Williams (Mitch) of Cobble Hill, BC; his son Kriston Whitifield (Christy) of Calgary, AB; his grandkids Mackenzie, Jaden, Kennedy, Sivana, Porter, Isabelle, Kaia and Ryann. He was also survived by his sister, Joan Deacon of Boissevain, MB, many nieces and nephews and so many dear, lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his daughter Kimberley Koppang, in 2021. Bud will also hold a place of honor with the Back Country Horsemen of BC - NVI chapter, where he was a longtime member and volunteer. This association allowed him to enthusiastically share his passions for horses and trail riding. Bud grew up on the farm in Boissevain, MB, and was the baby brother to his four sisters and brother. His career started working for Federated Co-op for 25 years, which took him to several locations in Western Canada. After his time with Co-op he pursued a business opportunity in Victoria, and eventually retired in Qualicum, BC, with his wife, Libby. A true outdoorsman, Bud spent much of his free time pursuing his zest for the outdoors, always up for the next new interest such as boating, camping, and snowmobiling. Bud, in his early years, loved hunting with his best buddies Al, Lars, his son Kriston 'Jake' and occasionally, Blaine. In retirement Bud returned to his roots and had been living his true passion of trail riding. He purchased his horse, Mark, 20 years ago, This was the beginning of an extraordinary friendship. Since the start of this friendship, most of Bud and Libbys holidays, vacations and weekends away, were planned with Mark in tow. Bud especially loved Salmon-Memekay horse camp, where he often rode and volunteered his time to check trail conditions. Libby dutifully camped while awaiting his return to share the day's riding tales with him. 36 years ago Bud and Libby blended their families. Bud was an extraordinary family man, and cared deeply for every member of his family. Libby was the love of his life. Together, they jointly raised four outstanding children, relished in the birth of each grandchild, cherished entertaining friends, and loved traveling. Bud was always the life of the party. He loved sharing stories of the adventurous, yet, disastrous trail ride from Banff to Ya Ha Tinda, eating lobster on the east coast, crashing a motorcycle in Costa Rica, or the time he was nearly killed by falling down a cliff with his horse. Be assured, however, the one constant of these tales is that they always included his true life partner - Libby. Bud was vigorous and active right up to the end. He had many practical talents. His soft spot for helping others really shone in his retirement. If you were a friend and in need of a "Mr. Fix It" he was your man, even if it meant leaving one of Libby's delicious dinners to sit cold on the table once in a while. Bud also leaves behind some wonderful friendships he developed over the years with his fellow Back Country horsemen members. He was a wonderful father, husband, grandpa, uncle and friend. You will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at Thalassa at the Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club on Friday Aug 19th, 2022 from 1:30 to 3:30. If friends and family so desire, a memorial tribute can be made to NRGH Palliative Care Unit or the Back Country Horsemen of BC, North Island Chapter at contact.northvi@bchorsemen.org Services Celebration of Life Friday August 19, 2022 1:30 PM Thalassa Restaurant @ Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course 469 Memorial Ave Qualicum Beach, British Columbia V9P 1E9