Stanley J Whittaker

STANLEY JAMES WHITTAKER

Stanley “Stan” James Whittaker was a husband, father, and grandfather during his incredible 96 years of life. He reached the end of his wonderful life and passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, December 22, 2021.

Stan had a long and life full of adventure. He was born on September 1, 1925, in Brawley, California, to  Jack and Gladys Whittaker. His father worked in construction and his mother was a homemaker. He was the eldest sibling of six, with two brothers and three sisters.

In his early years, Stan was raised in Cusick, Washington where he was always on the move. When his family fell on hard times, Stan left school after the seventh grade and proudly worked as a carpenter alongside his father throughout the Pacific Northwest. In his late teens, Stan moved to Alaska for a year where he received his electrical journeyman’s license and trained to fly small aircraft.

In 1946, Stan enlisted in the Army and became a paratrooper during World War II. He was stationed in Germany to guard a hotel that detained German officers. While in Europe on free time, he ventured to Austria and experienced the joy of snow skiing. Stan was honorably discharged from the Army in 1948. After the war, he moved to Spokane, Washington to work as a welder. He spent his career with a Commercial Metal Products manufacturer. 

During his mid-twenties, Stan picked up the art of roller skating where met the love of his life, Joan Catherine (Blazek) Whittaker while skating at Dishman Roller Rink.  They were married August 6, 1949, and celebrated 65 years together.  As a team, they continued to skate and compete in artistic events at the national level, then raised their three children in Spokane, Washington.

Stan had many hobbies in life, loved his independence and was athletically active. In later years, Stan spent 25 years with Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol. After retiring from the patrol, he continued to downhill ski and started cross-country skiing, playing soccer on a co-ed team, riding both road and mountain bikes, played racquetball, and participating in numerous running races, including Bloomsday. Stan heliskied in the Canadian mountains, flew remote controlled airplanes, cruised around Spokane on his motorcycle often stopping to see his children and grandchildren. He was not one to sit around and enjoyed a long active life!

Stan was predeceased by his wife, Joan Whittaker; his parents Jack and Gladys Whittaker, siblings Leonard Whittaker, Jackie Montgomery, and Phyllis Avery.  He is survived by his brother, Gary Whittaker and his spouse Nan, sister, Barbara O’Bleness and her spouse Bruce.  

Stan leaves behind three children; son, Daniel Whittaker and his spouse Barbara, daughters, Debbie Schuerman and Donner Fender. He has seven grandchildren, Lea, Tara, Matt, Tricia, Laura, Scott, and Sarah, and thirteen great-grandchildren. And his dog, Buddy.

A Celebration of Life service for Stan will be held this spring.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests you do some physical activity in his memory – go on a walk, roller skate, ski, or ride a bike.

Forever Loved, Forever Missed, and Forever in our Hearts!

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Stanley J Whittaker, please visit our Tree Store.