John Pitcaithley Death, Obituary – John Pitcaithley, who got sick suddenly and died on January 6, 2023, will be laid to rest at the Whitehead Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023. John was born in Whitehead in 1936. He had been a member of the Whitehead Golf Club for over 70 years, even though he hadn’t played in a few years. Even though he hadn’t played in a while, he still kept his playing membership at the club. John was born in 1936 in Whitehead. John was easy to spot because he was the only person in Whitehead who went shopping in the middle of winter wearing shorts.
He had time for most people and loved to talk with his long-time friends Derek Dinsmore, Stanley McAloney, and Nick McCrory. These conversations were often heated, but they were always helpful. At first, John worked at his father’s betting shop. After that, he went to Kilroot to work for ICI until the company went out of business. After that, he was the person to talk to if you wanted to play a round of golf at the Bentra Municipal Golf Course. John’s two daughters, Lisa and Karen, and his six grandchildren will miss him a lot. Rita was John’s wife. A few years ago, she passed away. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers during this very hard time.
Bryan Baxter, who had been Captain and President in the past, died suddenly and tragically on January 10, 2023. On Saturday morning, his funeral will be held in Carrickfergus.
Bryan was the Bank Manager at the Ulster Bank in Carrickfergus for a number of years. During that time, a large number of people in the area came to know and respect him. Bryan was a well-liked “old school” bank manager who built relationships, was easy to reach, was self-confident, listened well, and would help anyone if he could. Bryan loved golf very much and did a lot to help our club. Every Friday at noon, he ate with Messrs. Finney, Anderson, Macaulay, and Greenwood in the club’s restaurant. Bryan passed away in 2010.
Bryan knew a lot about sports and was very passionate about them. Even though he was well into his 90s, he insisted on getting the newest golf clubs as often as he could. Bryan liked a good glass of red wine or a gin and tonic. He was sure that the newer technology would help him get better grades!! Bryan often talked about his late wife Anne, who had been a Ladies’ Captain. He did this by talking about things that “he and Anne” had done together in the past. Bryan really missed his wife Anne. A member of the Whitehead Golf Club for his whole life. His family, friends, and coworkers at the Whitehead Golf Club will miss him a lot. During this very tough time, both families are in our thoughts.