Jack Whitney, 69, died Tuesday, June 24, at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis.
He leaves his wife of 48 years, LaDonna (Chamness) Whitney; beloved God daughter Kate Whitney of Denver, Colorado; brother and much loved friend Raynel Whitney; sister Gini Whitney and stepmother Nini Whitney, all of Albany; nieces Diane and Michelle; sister-in-law Diana Whitney of Topeka, Kansas; and many friends who have been a source of joy and laughter throughout his life in Oregon.
Jack was born to George and Betty (Pettus)Whitney in Rolla, Missouri. He graduated from Rolla High School, briefly attended the Missouri School of Mines, and then settled down to work in several small jobs: night clerk at the Edwin Long Hotel and evening manager of a liquor store. While working at the Edwin Long Hotel, he met LaDonna Chamness and they were married on Jan. 8, 1966.
The exciting relocation to Oregon came in January 1969. The remainder of his life was spent in Albany and Corvallis. He became the manager of the OSU Chemistry Stores, where he worked for 32 years.
A man of many interests, Jack loved anything to do with space. During his lifetime he enjoyed the many space adventures from the early days before the U.S. landed on the moon, until recent years when he and LaDonna would go out to watch the International Space Station fly over Oregon.
He was a great story teller, mostly puns, and would stand and exchange jokes with anyone who was so inclined with a big smile on his face, savoring the punch lines. He also loved square dancing and this simply gave him another stage for the jokes, pranks and fun.
Jack had a passion for animals. Throughout his Oregon life, he and LaDonna rescued and took care of 48 cats until their death. He lovingly asks that no flowers be sent and that donations be made to SafeHaven Human Society of Albany.
His family will celebrate his life with a private service of remembrance. He is forever loved by his family and friends.
AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home handled arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).