‘He’s leaving a big hole’: community mourns loss of respected Prince Albert caterer

Whitter had been in the catering business since 1982 and while still remembered for his time on Central Ave, has since 2015 owned and operated My Place catering at Victoria Square.

Whitter was very proud of the fact he catered over 400 weddings and likely thousands of other events including Christmas parties, various community functions and even a Medieval Feast and he was always among the last people to leave the room at night.

Carol said she and Randy joked about his love for the job and even more so being told he was the best caterer.

“He thrived on the adrenaline rush he would get when he had a big job coming up and his favourite line was ‘I don’t know how we’re gonna do it,” Carol said.

Randy and Carol Whitter. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Carol Whitter)

But with the help of his well trained staff Randy always found a way and still found time to mingle in the crowd, and check how everyone was doing.

“He wanted more than a food experience, he wanted people to feel like it was a real event,” Carol said.

Going forward Carol noted the My Place catering business is in great hands and will continue to thrive.

Anita Cantin worked for Randy for eight years and said he was a phenomenal mentor and person.

“Randy took me from your basic cook to the head chef I have become. He would take the time to teach me how to break down a turkey to making his beef wellington. He’s gonna be missed through this community and myself so very much,” she said.

Doug Erickson owns and operates the Prince Albert Federation Building Banquets and Events Centre and has known since Randy they were in school. Post COVID, management opted to stop doing in-house catering and forged partnerships with various caterers in town.

“It just turned out that when people were given the option of the various caterers we had partnerships with, Randy seemed to be first choice for a lot of them.”

Erickson also commented Randy did a great job teaching his staff and was a joy to work with.

“He’s just an amazing person all the way around. It’s a tragic loss.”

Randy will always be remembered for his kind and gentle smile. (Image Credit: Submitted/ Carol Whitter)

Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky lived just down the street from Whitter.

“Randy was a legend. He certainly will leave behind a legacy of memories.”

Powalinsky, who like many in the Prince Albert area, was served many times by Randy said the meal was always superb quality, and there was always outstanding service.

“You know, he’s leaving a big hole in the community.”

Recalling his days playing in the band Flashback, Powalinsky said when Randy catered the event, he also brought the band in to provide entertainment.

“He was always thinking about what he could do to make the customer experience happy and he’d walk around table to table and, you know, make sure everything was going well and everybody was happy.”

According to a social media post by the Boreal Healthcare Foundation, Randy was more than a caterer as well.

“He took pride in every event and always delivered with class, care, and professionalism. He understood that when people gather, the experience matters. He also supported Victoria Hospital beyond the cafeteria with the same passion he brought to every plate. We will truly miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and the entire My Place team.”

As of Friday, funeral arrangements were still being finalized.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

‘He’s leaving a big hole’: community mourns loss of respected Prince Albert caterer

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