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Bill Andrew Whitney

February 8th, 1929 - March 2nd, 2014

Bill Whitney spent most of his 85 years involved in both art and theatre. A movie actor as a child, Bill became active as an adult in community theatre in Portland. During the 1960’s he also developed an interest in art, and participated in many group shows, along with several one-man shows, including a 30-year retrospective at the West Hills Unitarian Fellowship Doll Gardner Gallery in 1991. When Bill retired from 31 years of employment at the railroad, he set aside his painting and directed Senior Theatre for 20 years in Portland, Beaverton and Sherwood. After an Alzheimers diagnosis February of 2012, Memories in the Making offered by the Alzheimers Association revived his interest in painting and enriched his final years until his death from kidney failure. Bill was born in Umpqua, Oregon February 8, 1929. He was a combat veteran of the Korean War. He married Delia Dare in 1960, and they have two children, Pamela Cantu (David), a chef in Sacramento, and Marya Kain (Bobby), a prominent dementia educator who has been invaluable in helping her mother learn Alzheimers care in the past two years. He has two grandchildren, Ryan and Miranda, who enjoyed doing art projects with their grandfather in his final years, along with two nieces and a nephew. The family wants to thank the staff of the Alzheimers Association, Oregon Chapter whose guidance helped him to keep his sense of self and self-esteem during his cognitive decline. We are also grateful to Bill’s many friends who came forward to say goodbye—he has left us knowing that he was well-loved. A memorial open house will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 2-5pm; contact Delia or 503-281-8362 for details. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bill Whitney’s name to the Alzheimers Association or his other favorite organization, the House of Dreams Cat Shelter, PO Box 30971, Portland, OR 97294.

We Entrusted Bill Whitney's Care To

Crown Cremation Services - Tualatin

Crown Cremation Services - Tualatin

Crown Cremation Services in Tualatin has been a trusted partner in end-of-life arrangements for over 30 years. Our commitment is to simplify, make it convenient, and ensure affordability for Tualatin families during challenging times. With 30 years of dedicated service to our community, we deeply understand the importance of providing compassionate care.

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Bill’s life with a heartfelt message.

Brian Toon

Bill was a great guy with a great laugh. Although I haven't seen him in years since I moved to Eugene. I don't even see my own family in Portland enough... I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He seemed always ready for some new way of looking at things and I extend my deepest condolences to his family. -Brian

Published January 4th, 2024
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Shirley Scribner

A lovely tribute for a wonderful, delightful man. May memories of your time together sustain you.

Published January 4th, 2024
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Naomi & Dick Ballard

We are thinking of you during this difficult time.

Published January 4th, 2024
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Roland Marty

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Published January 4th, 2024
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Anne Olson

REMEMBERING OUR FRIEND BILL A childhood actor in Hollywood--the most interesting back story we'll ever know. A devoted father and a loving husband. Lived behind the 'L' in the HOLLYWOOD sign; loved being teased about it. Really, really didn't like strawberries. Enthusiastic about each play he was involved with--each one the best ever. A prolific painter with a style all his own. Set aside creative endeavors to work for the railroad and support his family. Never negative, always supportive. Really did the "third age" thing with his own senior theater production company. Told some great "working on the railroad" stories. Turned Alzheimer's into performance art. Worked with people like Shirley Temple and Edward G Robinson. Loved his cats and volunteered to help other cats. Could talk about La Grande because he spent a week trapped there by a snowstorm. Brought easy laughter into a room, even in difficult times. Reframed art therapy as a great opportunity to try new art forms. Could talk in detail about almost every movie from the early decades of Hollywood. Shared the wisdom of a life well-lived. Brought joy to people who had always acted and to those who had always wanted to. Positive, enthusiastic, and upbeat to the end. Deepest sympathies to all the Whitney's.

Published January 4th, 2024
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Jenny Sue Dare Kotaska

Oh Deanne I am so sorry for your loss of Bill. He is no longer suffering now, and that is the good news. May the Lord bless you, your daughters and grandchildren as you mourn for your wonderful man. God bless him forever. Much love to you all.

Published January 4th, 2024
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Roland Marty

Candle lit by Roland Marty

Published January 4th, 2024
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Staff at Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial

Our sincere condolences.

Published January 4th, 2024
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