Donald Whitaker the father of showjumping's greatest dynastys has died after a long illness and our thoughts are with the Whitaker family.
Donald, born and bred in Yorkshire, rode as a child but this was never to become a passion for him as it was for his children and grandchildren - it was dairy farming which was Donald's life but this did not stop Donald and his wife Enid from encouraging their children to become exceptional showjumpers.
John and Michael Whitaker are famous world wide as a result of their exceptional results at Olympic and International levels - John's son Robert and daughter Louise are now also regulars in the International rings throughout the world and Stephen's daughter Ellen is there with her cousins and uncles in the winners circle more often than not, with the younger Whitakers making their names known in the Pony competitions.
Although all the boys showjumped, Ian has stayed with the farming and Stephen produces horses and manages his daughter Ellen's career.
With so many Whitakers showjumping, Donald Whitaker's name will be forever guaranteed a place in the history books of showjumping as the founder of one of the greatest showjumping families - and with his grandchildren numbering 13 the Whitaker name will no doubt be at the top for many generations to come.
Both Donald and Enid have been regulars ringside for so many years, watching their children and then their grandchildren compete and Donald will be sadly missed by the many who knew him.
Our thoughts are with Enid Whitaker and her sons John, Stephen, Michael and Ian and their wives and the grandchildren, Louise, Robert, Joanne, Ellen, Joe, Thomas, Donald, William, George, James, Jack, Molly and Katie Jane.
The family have asked that anyone wishing to send flowers please refrain and rather make donation to the Roy Castle Cancer Fund in honour of Donald.
The funeral will be held in Huddersfield on Tuesday, 24th May, 2005
