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Show John C. Vhifla Is Remcmbored as Oufsfanding Park Musician John C. Whitta, the talented musician, organizer, leader and instructor of the Park City Juvenile band, the organizer and instructorof the HighSchool and Jefferson School orchestra, succumbed to the unequal fight against miner's consumption and passed peacefully away in April 1916. It was only three days before that the many friends of the popular musician and good citizens citi-zens had shown their appreciation ap-preciation and love for him in a public testimonial, and it is a keen satisfaction to these friends to know that the deceased de-ceased was able to enjoy every number of that splendid program, pro-gram, by special telephone connections, con-nections, and later to be conscious con-scious of the fact that a substantial sub-stantial sum had been turned over to him and his family as a testimonial. He did not live to enjoy the benefits of the proceeds, but the appreciation and gratitude that filled his heart the short time life was spared to him because of the recognition of his worth and service gave a keen pleasure pleas-ure and supreme satisfaction to every one who aided in this demonstration of goodwill and good cheer a week ago. It was the giving of flowers to a sufferer when they could be enjoyed, the perfume sooth ing his last hours; giving him happiness as he passed on to that mysterious bourne from which no traveler returns and lingering linger-ing in a helpful way for loved ones left to mourn. In the death of John C. Whitta Park City loses a useful citizen. His real worth never fully appreciated, his service, particularly in a musical sense, was such that will perpetuate his memory, because of the instilling in-stilling in the hearts of the young the love for music which elevates el-evates and ennobles. A musician of exceptional talent, a good man, a worthy citizen, a k.nd devoted husband and father, his home is made desolate by his takingaway.and to his widow and four sons, his brother and other relatives sympathy goes out in their bereavement. be-reavement. John C. Whitta was born in Bandigo, Victoria, Australia on May 28, 1866. He came to America nearly 25 years ago. For nearly four years he resided re-sided in Virginia City, Nevada, and for a short time lived in California, following the occupation oc-cupation of mining. He came to Utah 21 years ago. He was at Castle Gate for a few years. It was at this place tnat he met Miss Lucy Reese, whom he married 21 years ago. With his wife and family he came to Park City 14 years ago, and made his home here since that time. He was always active in musical affairs, and at different times was leader of the Park City Military band and other organizations formed during that time. During his residence here he followed mining, and before the breaking down of his health, was considered one of the best. His health commenced to fail about three years ago. In 1913 he went to Arizona, thinking the change would prove beneficial bene-ficial and while there was a member of the famous Cooper Queen band. Finding that his health did not improve, he returned to the Park. At the opening of the schools he was appointed by the school board as music instructor in-structor for the school orchestras, or-chestras, and the success oi his efforts was manifested in the testimonial of a week ago, when the two orchestras favored favor-ed the large audience with selections and won unstinted applause. The same might be said of the Juvenile Band. |