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Dennis Richard Whitney
05/19/1939 — 07/16/2007
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Tacoma, Washington
Dennis Richard Whitney
I was born in Tacoma Washington on May 19, 1939 to Dale Bill and Alta Whitney. I passed away from cancer on July 16, 2007. As a child I grew up on S. 56th Street and attended Lincoln High School. I was a good kid, but always had an eye for adventure. When possible I would skip school and go to our local library and read books about adventure on the high seas. I read every sea book in our library. Other times my buddy Emory Karlinsey and I would skip school and go down to a local Lake, rent row boats, row out into the middle of the lake and with one oar row around in circles. It was great fun. I also loved to tinker with cars and even built myself a hot rod.
When high school was over I joined the marines and got my GED. I was in the artillery stationed in Twenty Nine Oaks, California. After receiving and honorable discharge I decided to go on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was sent to the Western States Mission where I served in Denver, El Paso and Deming, New Mexico.
After my mission I attended and graduated from BYU. I got my masters degree at Central Washington. I also got married and had 4 sons born of that marriage. I got my first teaching job at the high school in White Salmon, Washington. From there I began teaching psychology at Columbia Basin College, where I taught for the next 32 years, plus 4 years part time. In the mean time I divorced and then met my future wife, Susy. We married and merged our two families together. We had many happy years.
I am survived by my loving and devoted wife, Susy, sons BrennanMelissa, Pasco, RichardKristen, Utah, DavidJonnelle, Richland, JaredJamie, Kennewick, step-children DavidD'LanaRoohr, Richland, DebbieAndrewStacey, Providence, RI, JackAimeeRoohr, Richland. Grandchildren, Cameron, Devin, Steven Whitney, Pasco, Jason, Dallin, Austin, Brendon, Utah, Susannah Machado, Providence, RI, Emelia, Matthew, Jonathan, Katelynn Roohr, Richland, Elizabeth, Max, Lillian Roohr, Richland, Grace Whitney, Richland, and soon to be born Kathrine Whitney, Kennewick. Mother Alta Whitney, Tacoma, brothers MauriceKayeWhitney, Arkansas, DuaneSandra Minnesota, sister LoRene Whitney, Tacoma and many nieces and nephews. I was preceded in death by my father, Dale Bill Whitney.
Things I will miss of this world are traveling with my wife, watching our grandchildren grow up, playing cards with Gary and Colleen Jensen and eating strawberry-rhubarb pie.
Viewing will be held at Einan's, Wednesday, July 18th, 5pm-8pm. Services will be held at the Jadwin Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Thursday, July 19th at 1pm. A military graveside service will follow.
''Some bright morning when this life is over, I'll fly away'' ''To that home on God's celestial shore, I'll fly away.''
To the Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. No doubt Mr. Whitney loved life and enjoyed living a full life. It is unfortunate that we have to lose our dear loved ones. God did not intend for it to be this way. He has promised a hope for the future and a time when we will see our loved ones again. Job knew about this hope for he said at Job 14:7,8 “For there exists hope for even a tree. If it gets cut down, it will even sprout again, and its own twig will not cease to be.” He beleived in God’s promise of a resurrection. John 5:28,29 talks about this promise when Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurretion of life…” That time is fast approaching and I look foward to God’s promise of seeing our loved ones again. This brings me comfort and I sincerely hope this thought will bring comfort and hope to your family.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I would, though, like to express the Bible’s hope for the future. At John 5:28,29, Jesus spoke about the time when “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” Yes, the Bible shows that there will be a resurrection of the dead. What a wonderful time that will be!!!
If you have any questions regarding this message, please contact me via e-mail.
Wendell Sloane
Susy and Family,
Dennis was a warm, kind man; we know you will miss him, but remember, he is in a much better place. Thanks to you and Dennis for our “blind date”–we will remember that always. When you need to talk, just call. We will always be there for you.
Bert and Lila
I am so sorry for your loss. I found Dennis had a good sense of humor and also liked food especially sweets. One day while leaving He and Susy’s house he walked out to his car and as I passed him he opened his car trunk and asked if I would like a doughnut. I thought, “from your car trunk?” and looked inside. There was a really large box of doughnuts of every kind. I laughed and as I recall I took one. Susy, remember, in dreams you will see him until you see him in heaven.
Love, Lou, Momma
We love you, Uncle Denny. Our love and prayers will be with you always.
To the Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. No doubt Mr. Whitney loved life and enjoyed living a full life. It is unfortunate that we have to lose our dear loved ones. God did not intend for it to be this way. He has promised a hope for the future and a time when we will see our loved ones again. Job knew about this hope for he said at Job 14:7,8 “For there exists hope for even a tree. If it gets cut down, it will even sprout again, and its own twig will not cease to be.” He beleived in God’s promise of a resurrection. John 5:28,29 talks about this promise when Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurretion of life…” That time is fast approaching and I look foward to God’s promise of seeing our loved ones again. This brings me comfort and I sincerely hope this thought will bring comfort and hope to your family.
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. I would, though, like to express the Bible’s hope for the future. At John 5:28,29, Jesus spoke about the time when “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” Yes, the Bible shows that there will be a resurrection of the dead. What a wonderful time that will be!!!
If you have any questions regarding this message, please contact me via e-mail.
Wendell Sloane
Susy and Family,
Dennis was a warm, kind man; we know you will miss him, but remember, he is in a much better place. Thanks to you and Dennis for our “blind date”–we will remember that always. When you need to talk, just call. We will always be there for you.
Bert and Lila
I am so sorry for your loss. I found Dennis had a good sense of humor and also liked food especially sweets. One day while leaving He and Susy’s house he walked out to his car and as I passed him he opened his car trunk and asked if I would like a doughnut. I thought, “from your car trunk?” and looked inside. There was a really large box of doughnuts of every kind. I laughed and as I recall I took one. Susy, remember, in dreams you will see him until you see him in heaven.
Love, Lou, Momma
We love you, Uncle Denny. Our love and prayers will be with you always.
I got to meet Uncle Denny one time when he and Aunt Susy were passing through our area and stopped and stayed the night with us. We stayed up late playing cards and visiting. Such a loving man. He was so sweet to our 4 boys. Thank you for such a great night and for letting us get to know you even for a short while. We love you Aunt Susy.
Sue,
I sorry to see you lose your best friend and companion. Please keep your view eternal: you will be together again. If you need any thing please call.
Love, Mike
To the Whitney family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dennis was my psychology instructor at CBC. His class was my first college class. I was older 40ish with 7 kids and heading for a nursing degree.
As I look back over the past 14yrs of a very rewarding nursing career, I remember and appreciate the encouragement he gave me to pursue my lifelong dream.
A smart, warm, witty man.
I pray for blessings of comfort for all of you at this time.
Kathie Scott
We will miss you! Your the only Grandpa that the kids had local. Our prayers are with you Grandma Suzy
Love you always
Dee, Emmy, Matt, Jono & Katie
We were saddened to hear of Denny’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children. Love, Tim and Lori.
I will miss my brother tremendously. It was always fun and comforting to be around him. He is a person who could do anything and knew so much. My life won’t be the same without him. All my love to Suzy and all the kids……….Duane
I haven’t seen you much since you retired, but we always knew you were around. I guess you still will be, but in a different way. Rest in peace, Dennis…
Guestbook for
Dennis Richard Whitney