Many members will be saddened to hear that Jeremy Whitehead, an Honorary Member and former Vice-President of the Club, died yesterday at the Glenthorne Care Home in Blackpool, where he had been since the end of last summer after suffering a serious stroke. He was 89 and had been a member for 56 years, leading countless tours for the club. He was an active participant in the "Seniors Tour" in Gargellen last year, and in the summer Langdale meet just twelve months ago. The photo shows him climbing on another Langdale meet in 2009 - when I took the picture his comment was "that's for the obituary is it?"
That is very sad. We had some good trips together, skiing and climbing, and kept much more closely in touch when I lived in the Peak District.
One of the grand old men of British ski-mountaineering!
Under the Covid restrictions just 17 people, including three Eagle Ski Club members, and members of other clubs of which he was a member, were able to attend Jeremy's funeral in Blackpool on Wednesday 26 August. His elder brother Stuart and his niece Vanessa gave the eulogies. I understand from Vanessa that she has found a letter confirming that he wanted his alpine maps and ski guidebooks (which he compiled himself) to be donated to the Eagle Ski Club, and as club Archivist I am liaising with her on this.
Jeremy was an inspiration to all. His friendly nature and exceptional Alpine knowledge were like a magnet to me when, eventually, I really got into ski-touring in earnest. His enthusiasm seemed to know no bounds and he attracted a regular cadre of ski-touring companions - a true testament to his popularity. He will be sadly missed by all those who got to know him on ski tours and other climbing trips.