Gary Whitener Obituary

Gary Whitener was born in Long Beach, CA and raised in Michigan and California.  He found his calling when he joined the Birmingham Fire Department in 1961.  His skill and commitment were steadily recognized as he was promoted to Fire Inspector, Lieutenant and ultimately Chief of the Department.  In addition he led the Fire Fighters union and served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs.  After 27 years of service he retired and he and his wife, Nora, relocated to Phoenix for phase two of their lives. Not one to sit around too long, Gary became a Kyrene School District bus driver and loved both the kids he transported and his colleagues—his friends.  He also served on the Board of the Warner Ranch Manor Homeowners Association, making lifelong friendships along the way.

Gary was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ throughout his life.  He attended Calvary Baptist Church from his teens until he left Michigan.  In Arizona he attended Arizona Community Church and Munds Park Community Church, serving as video technician, Vacation Bible School helper or wherever he was needed.  He and Nora enjoyed Bible studies and the many activities  they shared with fellow seniors at IN-Joy! Upon his relocation to Sunrise Senior Living he continued to worship there. 

In his retirement, Gary had many interests.  He deeply loved his family and he kept up with his kids, grandkids and his great grand baby as much as possible.  He loved receiving new photos and videos of everyone’s activities.  His “photo wall” at home was a source of joy and he shared many memories associated with his pictures.  He also loved flying and was hooked from his first flight.  With Nora as his co-pilot, they visited many states in their Piper Cherokee.  Many times, they could be found “flying around” just for the pleasure of seeing the world from 10,000 feet.  No mention of Gary’s loves would be complete without reference to his kitties.  His heart was always open to a fur-baby who needed a home or just  a scratch.  He loved them and they returned that love many times over.

Gary is pre-deceased by Nora, his beloved wife of 52 years. He is survived of his children, Carol Mechanic (Bill) and Dan Whitener (Christine);  his grandchildren, Eric Whitener (Emily), Caron Whitener, Erin Mechanic and his sweet great granddaughter, June Whitener…also his sisters-in-law, Betty Minor (Bill) and Wendy Oliva (Rex) and nieces and nephews, Kelly Harrison Roberts, John Harrison, Jamie Tilsley, Paula Harrison Marentay, Sara Foster, Carmen Oliva Wofford, Tim Minor and Steven Minor.

Memorial gifts are gratefully accepted in Gary’s name to:

Arizona Community Church (www.az.church/give or text to AZCC to 833-589-5719)

Alzheimer’s Association (http://www.alz.org)

Best Friends Animal Society (https://best friends.org)