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Wallace Gordon Whitney
04/18/1952 — 08/02/2011
From Kennewick, WA, US | Born in Kennewick, Washington
Wallace Gordon Whitney
Wallace Gordon Wally Whitney, age 59 of Kennewick, Washington, passed away Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at his home. He was born April 18, 1952 in Richland, Washington to LeeRoy and Willo Whitney. As a child he lived on a small farm near Prosser, Washington where he enjoyed raising farm animals including his pet sheep, Cookie.
After moving to Richland, Washington in 1963, Wally attended Marcus Whitman Elementary, Carmichael J.H. and Richland H.S. Wally enjoyed playing with his friends in the rock band "Pype Dream", performing at high school dances and at battle of the bands competitions. After graduating from RHS in 1970, Wally traveled across the United States to see the rest of the Country. After his return he attended Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington, where, as class President, he was able to bring entertainer Bob Hope to the campus. He then went on to graduate from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington in 1976 with a degree in Business Administration.
Following graduation Wally began his career with JC Penney in Kennewick, Washington and later on in Farfield, California. He then moved to Seattle, Washington to work in the insurance industry and then in the flooring business for several years before moving back to Kennewick where he started his own business. From 1998 to 2005 he worked for Raytheon Constructors and Washington Group International at the Chemical Depot in Umatilla, Oregon. During that time he was diagnosed with cancer. Following successful cancer treatment, he was employed by AMEC Earth & Environmental in Richland, Washington. His last job was working for CH2MHill in Richland, Washington until his cancer returned in 2009. In May, 2011, after a very courageous battle, that included many surgeries, he was declared cancer-free.
He was very thankful to all his friends, family and to the health care professionals that helped him through the toughest time of his life. Wally was also thankful to the Cancer Center of America, in Goodyear, Arizona for the excellent care they provided and was especially thankful to Dr. David A. Litvack, MD. Wally's life was shared with his family and with many friends he made throughout his lifetime, with his dog, and with his cat family. He loved animals so much, he provided a home for 9 stray cats who were with him when he died.
Wally was caring and giving, a brother and best friend that will be dearly missed by all of us. Wally is survived by three brothers, Thomas Whitney Debbie of Kennewick, WA, Gerald Whitney Lauri, West Richland, WA, Edward Whitney of West Richland, WA, and his sister Karen Whitney Gary Davis, Kennewick, WA. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Willo and LeeRoy Whitney, and by two brothers, Ronald Whitney of Auburn WA, and Russell Whitney, of Kennewick, WA.
A graveside service, open to all, will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, August 12, 2011 at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland, Washington. Directly following the service we will celebrate Wally's life at the home of Gary and Karen Davis, 89109 Badger View Drive, Kennewick, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Center of America, Goodyear Arizona. Anyone who could help find new homes for Wally's cats would also be greatly appreciated.
Wally was in my Dads 6th grade class at the old Marcus Whitman Elementary School in Richland. I saw his name on my Dads hack board for getting in trouble. My Dad Jim McCowan never spanked anyone but had to send them to the Principals office. Later on Walley became my boss in the Men’s Department at JCPENNEYS in Kennewick when I was about 19 or 20. He taught me a lot and intimated me sometimes but he had such a kind heart! Thanks for teaching me so much Wally.
Many fond memories Walley, of our years in Richland, JH, HS and CBC. We covered a few miles together. You are a good friend.
To Karen, Gerry, Tom and Ed – I was very sad to learn of Wally’s death, he will be greatly missed. He was truly a good friend for many years. I spoke with Wally only a couple of weeks ago, it was wonderful to catch up and talk about times at JC Penneys, CWU, Williams Lake fishing and water skiing… I mentioned on my F/B page about finding homes for Wally’s “kids”, I hope that they will all find good homes. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love to you all, Susie
Dear Tom, Jerry and Family:
Wally and I went WAY back…back to the mid-1970’s at Penneys, and CWU. Wally was an all-out, never quit, straight-up guy…I enjoyed MANY years, shared MANY fun times with Wally. God Bless the Whitney Family, and Rest In Peace Wally.
Waly was a good friend and worker at Pennys….Rick & Joanne Riccobuono
I wanted to give my condolences to the entire Whitney family on Wally’s loss. I worked wth Wally at JC Penney in the early 1980s, and Wally was really a wonderful person to work with. He was professional, straight forward, and really communicated with employees. I remember he always looked sharp, but also made a lasting impression on people all of the way around. For some reason I also recall that he drove a sporty Isuzu Impulse, which was unusual at the time. I thought a lot of Wally, although I did not know him well enough to keep in touch. I was sad to see his obituary in the paper, but read about his very interesting life and wonderful family. Please take care, and I hope you find good homes for his beloved cats.
My Uncle Wally was the 1st person I ever spoke to in Washington on my quest to connect with my Dad Tom…I’ll never forget when I called the house on Cottonwood, Wally answered the phone, I told him who I was and he said “We’ve been waiting to hear from you” I love you Uncle Wally you will be greatly missed.
On behalf of the The Whitney Family, I would like to thank all of the friends, caregivers and doctors for the love and comfort that was bestowed upon Wally and our family during a very difficult past three years. I know that Wally greatly appreciated the love and friendship. Wally was blessed with the spirit of humor and he spent his last weeks on earth reconnecting with friends that shared memories and better times. Somehow through all the pain Wally found it in himself to keep going and live each day to the fullest. Each of his last twenty-four hours he chose to spend doing the things that made him feel joy…taking care of his cats, reconnecting with old friends, and working in his garden. I will truly miss a brother that became one of my best friends. May God Bless Wally and all of you who loved him.
With gratitude from Wally’s only sister Karen
Rock on Wally with “Shorty” in heaven.
I was saddened to see of Wally’s passing. I got to know Walley at JCPenney and he was one ‘cool dude’. Always cheery, very dedicated to whatever he was doing and just one great guy to be around. It was always great to see what Walley was up to in the Tri Cities in ‘life after JCP.’ Or run into him and his face brightening smile. Deep sympathy to Wally’s family….and all his friends. He had a bunch of them!
Our family used to live around the corner from thw Whitney family when they lived on Cottonwood we were on Aliceduring the 60s and 70s. The house was always a bustle of activity and I remember Wally for his kindness, compassion and being a genuine great guy. I reconnected with him briefly during the late 70s when he worked at Penny’s and I at Wade’s Clothing in Columbia Ctr. A very warm person that had a big heart. I’m not surprised that he actually got Bob Hope to come to CBC. My prayers are with the whole Whitney family and relatives at this time. You were blessed to have him in your lives. I wish we had reconnected in later years.
My childhood memories of you are rich with laughter and wonder for the big wide open. Enjoy the afterlife as only you can Uncle Wally.
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Wallace Gordon Whitney