Elder Services celebrates its founder, Fred Whitham
By Louisa Weeden
In honor of Older Americans Month, we celebrate the contributions of Elder Services’ founder, Fred Whitham.
Elder Services opened its doors in 1974 as Berkshire Home Care, and Fred Whitham was its first executive director. The agency was a true startup, with no furniture, no desks, no office equipment, and no telephones. All of these necessary components had to be located and assembled, and those in need of service identified, Whitham was just the man to make it happen. He had fl own B-17 bomber planes over Europe in World War II and had been a corporate pilot for Sprague Electric so he was not afraid of a challenge.
Whitham is remembered fondly by Elder Services staff who worked for him during his tenure as executive director.
Elder Services second Executive Director, Catherine R. May, remembers the invaluable contributions Whitham made to the organization. “Fred came to us from the business world, and impressed upon all of us that the agency needed to be fiscally sound and healthy in order to actualize its human services mission. He also communicated a strong sense that “everything will be all right,” which helped us effectively rise to the challenges brought by funding crises, and survive. As a side note, Fred never took the elevator, climbing up four flights of stairs with ease each time he entered the building. Few of us could keep up with him.”
Shirley Dioli, who retired in 2006, came to Elder Services in 1975, and remembers how much Whitham cared about the mission of the agency: to help older people remain in their own homes as long as possible by providing the services they needed to remain independent. “He worked hard to establish a rapport with the larger community and get the word out about what we could do to help seniors. He connected with the other human services and home-health agencies and built working relationships that exist even to this day. Fred set the caring tone that the agency strives to maintain in all its interactions. I remember when our first client was about to turn 90 and wanted a ‘big party’ to celebrate the event. She had no nearby family, and most lifelong friends had already passed on. Whitham arranged a party at the Rainbow Restaurant, which he attended - just like him, to go the extra mile for someone in need.”
Simone Gaunt, who has been with Elder Services for 26 years, added, “He was so proud of each program as it started up. He celebrated initiative and new ideas. He visited each meal site regularly and got to know all the regular guests, who looked forward to his visits. He truly enjoyed being with and taking care of older people.”
Sandy Alfonso, who has been in Elder Services’ Nutrition program since 1985, remembers Whitham as being happy and caring. “He really believed you should be happy, have fun, and be smiling at work. He greeted each staff person individually every day. He helped people relax and be themselves.”
Pat Kerr, who has been with Elder Services for 20-plus years, remembers her first week of employment. “As a new employee of Elder Services, I commented about some ducks pictured on a postcard that had come in the mail. ‘If you like ducks,’ said Fred Whitham, ‘then come with me.’ He took me to the conference room and played me a tape of duck calls! The way he reached out to an insecure new employee and put me at ease, remains my favorite memory.”
Elder Services’ current Executive Director, Robert P. Dean, said, “Although Fred Whitham retired many years ago, the strong and positive imprint he left on Elder Services still remains. We are grateful for his dedication and commitment to improving the lives of seniors. We continue to build upon the foundation he laid in those early years as we continue to help Berkshire seniors live with dignity and independence and to achieve the highest possible quality of life.”
Three little-known facts about Fred Whitham: he made pottery and taught ceramics. He loved fishing, and tied his own flies, and he used to make his own bowties.
Today Whitham, age 84, and his wife of five years, Eleanor, 79 divide their time between Florida and southern Vermont. The Whithams first met while working together at Sprague Electric. Eleanor remembers Fred’s wit, zest for life and love of accomplishment. After she left Sprague, they didn’t see each other for 40 years. Six years ago, they ran into each other at a performance, and married a year later.
At the agency’s 30th Anniversary celebration in June 2004, Whitham said, "I am proud and pleased to see all that Elder Services has done, and will continue to do in the future, and am proud to have been a part of the founding."
Fred Whitham — we thank you for your commitment to the older residents of Berkshire County, and for building such a fine agency meet their needs.
