Addington, Dr. Whitney Wood 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Chicago on February 10, 2020 surrounded by his family. Dr. Addington was a superb physician, healthcare leader, research scientist, and lover of the arts. He attended Princeton University, followed by medical school and residency in Internal Medicine at Northwestern University, and completed a Master's of Science at the University of Oklahoma School of Public Health. Dr. Addington served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Public Health Service in Oklahoma City, and at the conclusion of his military service, he became a N.I.H. Postgraduate Fellow in Thoracic Services at the Boston University Medical School before returning to Chicago, where he was recruited to be Chairman of the Pulmonary Division for Cook County Hospital. While there, he built a TB outreach program, a mobile medical care team that went out into some of the most underserved areas of the city to provide onsite TB therapy. After Cook County he moved to the University of Chicago where he served as Professor of Medicine and Chairman of the Pulmonary Medicine Department. While there he began his lifelong care of cystic fibrosis patients and their families. He then returned to Northwestern University where he once again served as the Chairman of Pulmonary Division and became the President of the Chicago Board of Health from 1989 to 1999. Throughout his career he taught and lectured, and published over 100 papers on pulmonary disease and public health focusing on TB, asthma of patients in the inner city, and cystic fibrosis. He became committed to health care reform and was one of the leading voices in the fight for universal health care, and social justice and equity in medical care. Because of his long term commitment to issues of public health he served on the Poverty and Health Committee of the World Health Organization in Geneva Switzerland. After retiring from his medical practice, Dr. Addington continued to work in Public Health as a visiting Professor to the London School of Tropical Medicine. During that time he travelled extensively in Africa working on projects to contain and eradicate the spread of Malaria. He loved these trips with younger faculty and continued to learn from his visits to refugee camps where he helped institute point of care testing for Malaria. He was a man of boundless energy, and would regularly return to Chicago after three days of traveling from Africa only to go straight to a CUBS game or a night at Lyric Opera. He was truly a man of the people, a charismatic leader and loyal friend who engaged with great enthusiasm, pretty much anyone who crossed his path. Gratified by his many career accomplishments and years of fanatic support for Lyric Opera, a passion matched perhaps only by his seventy-six years as a fixture at Wrigley Field, he was clearly most proud of his family, his wife Ada, his four daughters, son-in-laws, and eleven grandchildren. Whitney was utterly devoted to all of them and, along with Ada, played master of ceremonies for an endless parade of adventures, inner-tubing and fishing trips, visits to the opera, Cubs, Bulls and Bears games, parties and weddings at which he always had something loving, inclusive and unwaveringly funny to say. Through all of it he had a gift for making everyone feel loved and important. But for his children and grandchildren, he was the ultimate Grandpa, not only for his own kids, but all their friends and really, for anyone who simply needed a grandpa, a friend or an advocate. Whitney was born on August 23, 1935 in Chicago, the son of Sarah Wood Armour and James Addington. Whitney is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ada Forgan Addington and daughters; Joanie Addington-White (Peter Addington-White), Sarah Addington Emanuel (Ariel Emanuel), Hilary Addington (Michael Cahill) and Anne Addington; and 11 grandchildren Alexander, Ellery, India, and Emma Addington-White; Ashlee, Noah, Ezra, and Leo Emanuel, Nicholas, Phoebe, and Jane Cahill. He was a source of optimism and hope to all of them and will live in theirs, and many others hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in his honor to the Lyric Opera of Chicago or Dr. Whitney Addington Scholarship fund at Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine. A celebration of his life will be held on March 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Fourth Presbyterian Church. Entrance at North Michigan Avenue and Delaware Place.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Whitney Addington

Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.

13 Entries

John Walsh

February 18, 2025

The care and hope that he provided for my beloved wife Marie Adducci Walsh still moves me as I regulary think of him. The spirit of a man like Dr. Addington is always alive because he gave so many so much hope and love.

Susan Jean Terry Misner

March 14, 2024

As I no longer live near Chicago, I'm only just learning of this very sad news. I now send my heartfelt condolences to all of dear Dr. Addington's beloved family.
I first met Dr. Addington while a young nursing student at Wesley Memorial Hospital - now over 50 years ago. His exceptional excellence as a clinician was clearly apparent even with my novice experience at the time. Then, through our student childcare service, I also came to know his beloved wife, Ada, and sweet daughters - often staying with the girls while Dr. and Mrs. attended many fundraisers for Children's Memorial Hospital or the Lyric Opera. All of the Addington's were so very kind and loving to me. And I greatly appreciated my chats with Dr. Addington when he kindly would drive me all the way back to Hampshire House on Dearborn at the end of the often gala evenings.
Years later, after I had specialized in public health nursing in Chicago, my professional path started anew to meet with Dr. Addington's from time to time. Again, he proved to be an exquisite professional, and so very caring.
I hope his beautiful family continue to find solace in Dr. Addington's wonderful legacy of impeccable care and compassion.
With my sincere sympathy,
Sue

John Walsh husband of Marie Adducci Walsh

February 18, 2023

I will always remember the care and compassion he provided for my wife's care. He was the ultimate physician and friend. He always greeted us with a warmth and friendliness that lightened our burden. A fine humanitarian who treated every patient as a special guest. I think of him often after all these years.

JOHN WALSH

February 17, 2021

When I think of my beloved wife, many times the image of Dr. Addington might also appear shining with enthusiasm, encouraging remarks, and wit and charm. He made her road to physical and mental well being possible. A larger than life support person for whom she and I always thanked the universe.

Phuong Trinh

March 30, 2020

RIP

JOHN WALSH

March 24, 2020

Dr. Addington cared for my wife for three years. She said he was her inspiration to get better. I saw during many office visits, he treated everyone like an honored guest. A true humanitarian and gifted healer.

Russell Lodarek

March 6, 2020

Dr.Addington, your family is probably one of our oldest customers. We have been your grocer for many years. I will never forget, every time that you came in, in a loud voice, you would say Russell, and I knew that it was Dr. Addington. You always managed to make every person that you came in contact with, feel as if they were someone special to you. That is why, you were so very special. We havent seen you much over the years, but I always try to model myself after your compassionate ways towards others. You and your family will always be remembered .

Kathy Niles Ralph Kenyon

March 3, 2020

Dearest Ada & family....
It is with a sad heart that I send this message.. We will be with you all in spirit on Saturday as you share with many a celebration of Whitney's life. Hold close all the memories and stories that will be shared that day. Always feel his presence within you everyday.
Whitney was a great guy, that person who welcomed all to have coffee and chat over the paper at the round table in the kitchen at Seaswept. I will be forever thankful for the friendship and laughter shared with you both, a forever gift that will always remain in my heart.
Ada, stay strong and lean on your wonderful family for all your needs.
Rest in Peace, Whitney... Surrounding you all with love and caring...
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Kathy & Ralph

Margie Garay

February 29, 2020

My most heartfelt sympathies to Ada and all the family. I was fortunate enough to have been a part of Whitney's life for about 15 years. I was his hairdresser. I would be so full of joy when I knew he had an appointment. I adored him. He made me laugh and I loved all his stories. What made him happy was his family and he spoke often and highly of all his girls. son-in-laws and grandchildren. He loved spending summers out East because it made Ada so happy. I'm grateful I was able to know him.

February 26, 2020

I met Whitney Addington at the Ralston Creek Ranch where we were campers during the summers of 1949 and 1950. We rode horses all summer long, went to 4th of July picnics and events at neighboring ranches, took 3-5 day pack trips up into the mountains and generally had a wonderful time. Whit was very well liked and fun to be around. I thought he was very handsome! Because I lived on the east coast growing up, I did not have a chance to see Whitney except during those weeks at the ranch. I feel sad that he is gone.
Kindest regards to Whit's family -
Anne (Richardson) Heynen

February 24, 2020

"Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this trying time, we wish them strength and may the God of all comfort give them all the support and courage needed.

February 24, 2020

Please allow me to express my deepest condolences for your loss. I pray that the God of all comfort grant you peace at this time.

February 24, 2020

"Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this trying time, we wish them strength and may the God of all comfort give them all the support and courage needed.

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