The family sadly shares the news of his passing on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
Glen was born to Garnet and Betty (Lethbridge) Witty on September 4, 1950, in Wawa, Ontario.
He leaves behind his heartbroken wife of 53 years, Connie (nee McLean), and his children, Shaun (Greg), Shane (Sarah) and Shelby (Adam). He will be sorrowfully missed by his grandsons, Nathan (Joey), Tyler and Cody. He also leaves behind two brothers, Gary (Debbie) Witty and Gordon (DeeDee) Witty and his family through marriage, Penny (Brian), the late Leslie, Patsy (the late Kenny), Becky (Don), Bob (Colleen), Brian (Janice) and Jim (Jocelyn). He will be missed by his best buddy Baxter.
Glen lived his life embracing adventure, growing up in the Wawa area he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with friends and family. He met his future wife when she visited Wawa one summer. Glen hitchhiked from Highway 17 to Goulais River often over the next three years until he married her on May 29, 1971. They began their life together in Hawk Junction but would eventually move to Goulais River, Sault Ste. Marie and then St. Joseph’s Island. Always one to enjoy the water, Glen purchased the first of his passions, a sailboat called Constance. He loved spending weekends travelling the area with his family onboard.
Always looking for his next adventure, he and Connie purchased a restaurant on St. Joseph’s Island in 1985. After five years of owning and operating “The Landing Cafe”, they decided to leave the restaurant business and try something new. They bought a large property on St. Joseph’s Island and ventured into farming life. Later, a beautiful home on the waterfront on St. Joe’s became available, they fell in love with it.
He was an avid kayaker and canoer, undertaking many trips in and around Lake Superior and as far away as James Bay. He and a friend built a beautiful cedar kayak by hand. The stories that he would tell about encounters with bears, overturned boats and massive storms were riveting and terrifying.
Glen was a conductor for the Algoma Central Railway, later CN Railway, for 36 years when a serious train accident ended his career. Although being away from his family had been difficult at times, he always enjoyed the ride, chatting with passengers and viewing the scenery. So often people would approach me and say “I remember Glen! What a great guy!” because they had ridden with him on the train during his many years there.
For the last two decades, he has been investing time with his family. He enjoyed spending hunting season with his son, taking his grandsons to their hockey or football games, walks with his dog, quiet family dinners and playing the classics on his guitar.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 (450 Albert St W) on April 21, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The family invites any who would like to bring a guitar and play a tune for Glen! In lieu of flowers, donations (payable by cheque or online) can be made to ARCH and/or Alzheimer’s Society. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Witty family.