 |
Donald R. Whitney Barrington, IL QCWA # 29434 Chapter 2 |
Donald Ray Whitney of Barrington, IL passed away suddenly on December 28, 2022 at the age of 74. Don was born on December 12, 1948, in Waukegan, to Ray and Marian (nee Bradley) Whitney, and was raised in Libertyville where he attended elementary, middle, and high school. On August 22, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Mary Nielsen. Don graduated from Northern Illinois University (NIU) with a degree in electrical engineering but a college job as the dispatcher for the NIU campus police engaged his passion for public safety communication. Don joined Motorola eventually leading to Association Relationship Management until retirement. His work engaged him in national associations such as the Association of Public Communications Officials where he served on the executive council, chaired the Commercial Advisory Council and received the prestigious Jack Daniel Award of Distinction. Don was a passionate amateur radio operator (K9DRW) serving with the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service that coordinated with the Lake County Emergency Management Agency. Until his death he provided radio training for Lake County local police and fire personnel. In recognition of his lifelong service to public safety communication initiatives, he was appointed a Fellow of the American Radio Relay League in 2021.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, his sister Sheila (Robert) Furjanic, brothers-in-law Ernest (Carol) Nielsen and Gregory (Laurie) Nielsen. His survivors also include two nieces, three nephews, and countless friends. Visitation will be 3-7pm Wednesday January 4 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St (Lake Cook Road) Barrington.
The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 5 at Salem Methodist Church, Barrington. Please visit www.davenportfamily.com to send messages of condolence.
Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 1, 2023.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/chicagotribune/name/donald-whitney-obituary?id=38507998