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William Whitney Obituary

Whitney, William Grant 85, led a life of curiosity, creativity, adventure, and community service. A pilot, an inventor, an activist, and a lifelong volunteer, he touched many lives in many ways. Bill, 85, died Monday, March 30. He passed away quietly in the presence of family, at Westminster Place in Evanston. Born to the late Richard A. Whitney, and the late Glenola Coleman Whitney, he graduated from Bloom Township HS. Bill earned his BSME at Northwestern in 1951, and served 3 years in the U.S. Navy, aboard CV-40, and DD-848. He received his MBA from Harvard in 1956, then worked for American Hospital Supply, in Evanston. In 1964, he started W.G. Whitney Corp., inventing and manufacturing medical products, earning ten patents. In 1984, Mr. Whitney sold his company but continued to develop medical products under Whitney Development. Bill was an enthusiastic pilot with over 3,400 flight hours. He served as Treasurer of the Friends of Meigs Field, and received the Chicago Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen President's Award in 2001 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002 for his work with Young Eagles. "His love of aviation was infectious," said Ken Rapier, current president of the chapter, "He taught the kids so much." Bill was an active member of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Evanston, joining in 1963. He is remembered for his creative and engaging Sunday school lessons for junior high students. Bill was active in politics and public policy, volunteering for many campaigns, serving on the Evanston Zoning Board of Appeals, and for 20 years on the Illinois Leadership Council of the NFIB. Bill was eternally curious and outgoing, a perpetual ambassador of goodwill. He and his wife traveled extensively, from Moscow to Maui, from Canada to Antarctica. Bill also was engaged in theater. He co-chaired NU's Waa-Mu show, co-owned the Wagon Wheel Theater, and helped produce several Broadway plays.He served as Treasurer for the Sarah Siddons Society and was a subscriber and benefactor to many local theater companies. Mr. Whitney is survived by his wife of 60 years, actress, Ann Stevenson Whitney; their four children, Steven Whitney (Barbara), Lisa (Whitney Gyori (Thomas), Sarah Whitney (Blake Dickie), and Michael Whitney (Petrena Cleary); nine grandchildren, Lauren McGinty (Michael McCarthy), Sarah Brokaw (Adam), Christopher Gyori (Elizabeth), Austin Gyori, Nathan Gyori, Shannan Dickie, Carina Dickie, Claire Whitney, and Kate Whitney, another on the way; and three great-grandchildren, Grayson McCarthy, Audrey McCarthy, and Elijah Brokaw; as well as his sister Mary Louise Whitney Chapman. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard W. Whitney. A memorial service will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2515 Central Park Avenue, Evanston, IL on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. For more info call: (847) 869-9210. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Young Eagles program of the Experimental Aircraft Association, www.youngeagles.org, or Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter, www.carecenter.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 5, 2015.

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Margaret Gautier

March 29, 2020

I don't know why this popped up on my computer but I'm glad it did. Seeing Bill was a great reminder of how to be in times that are challenging. He was full of grace and love and generosity. Blessings to his family. big hug, Maggie Gautier

Liz van der Veen-Gifford

February 21, 2018

I remember Mr. Whitney as the father of a fun neighborhood family across the street. I was only in 2nd grade but still remember him as an impressive man. I came across this obituary and realized he actually was as impressive as my young self believed. Wishing the Whitney family well, and sending my condolences for this irreplaceable loss.

Andrew Clark

June 23, 2016

My condolences to the Whitney family. He was a very special and kind giving man. And I will always remember him fondly for his never ending generosity and warm smile.

Andrew Clark/Chicago

Maggie Gautier

April 13, 2015

When Bill and I went out to dinner once I felt special. I knew he was a busy man, a man with a full life. However, when you were with Bill, he was with you He was present. He was in the moment. He was smart, funny, and yes as was stated at his memorial, Optimistic. I watch him as he lived his life fully and with a twinkle in his eye, knowing how blessed he was with a great wife, loving family and a God that he knew personally. I have such respect for him and all he did, and all he contributed. What a great guy, and example for us all. God Bless. As I often say and was referenced, "Another angle knows my name' and I can call on him when ever I want or need some sage advice on how to be a better person. Thanks Bill, thanks God. Amen.

Amy Rafa

April 13, 2015

Dear Ann, Sarah, and Family: I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Whitney's passing. I distinctly remember him being a dashing and charming presence when he came by Trip to Bountiful rehearsals and performances. And I remember the lovely stories you both shared about your life with him - especially the adventure in Antarctica and his deep devotion as a father. You are in my thoughts and prayers. -Amy Rafa

Lynn Baber

April 8, 2015

I had so many great talks with Bill on opening nights at Northlight. He was just lovely--a wonderful man. Hugs to Ann, Sarah and all the Whitneys. xoxo-Lynn Baber

April 6, 2015

Dear Ann and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Bill well, but well enough to know how very special he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Julie Weary

April 6, 2015

I had the pleasure of knowing Bill when we both sat of the Sarah Siddons Society Board of Governors. What a special man who contributed so much to the Society and to the theater scene in Chicago.
Susan Glick

April 5, 2015

Over the course of 27 years I had interacted with Bill a few times every year.
Each and every time he never talked about himself, he always asked about me or my dad (and mom) who did business with Bill for many, many years. He truly was a selfless man who cared genuinely about people.
He will be missed and thought of fondly on a daily basis.
-Jim Coen

Joel & Linda Seidler

April 4, 2015

I worked at Whitney medical Solutions for 11 years & always enjoyed seeing & talking to Mr. Whitney.He always smiled & was friendly & treated everyone as an equal. My wife & I had nothing but respect & admiration for him. A compassionate man-a very sweet soul.I know he will be missed by many.Our sincere condolences to all the Whitneys.-Joel & Linda Seidler.

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Apr

11

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Northminster Presbyterian Church

2515 Central Park Avenue, Evanston, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Cremation Society of Illinois, Inc. Funeral Service Center - Chicago

6471 N. Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631

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