CHARLES WHITTINGHAM

WHITTINGHAM--Charles

Arthur, Jr., died peacefully on March 4 in New York City. He is survived by his children Beth (Goehring), Charles Arthur III, Philip, and Leigh (Ruhl), as well as five grandchildren: Elizabeth, John, Chase, Kate, and Claire. A native of Chicago, "Chuck" was born on February 11, 1930. Educated by the Jesuits, he was a track star at Loyola Academy and received a full scholarship to Loyola University, from which he graduated with honors. He was inducted into both the Academy and University's Athletic Halls of Fame. Captain of the University track team, he set three records: the 100-yard dash, the 220, and the long jump. His 1951 time of 9.6 for the 100-yard dash is still the record today. Among other gifts, he donated a lifetime's collection of rare books to the University's Library. He served as a naval officer in the Mediterranean during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Salem, the flagship of the Sixth Fleet. He started his career at Time Inc. in 1959 at FORTUNE Magazine and rose to Assistant Publisher. He retired from Time Inc. as the Founding Publisher of the monthly LIFE Magazine. For LIFE's 50th anniversary in 1986, Chuck organized a groundbreaking multi-media event: the bestselling single issue of the magazine in Time Inc.'s history; a bestselling coffee-table book; and a gala at Radio City Music Hall, filmed by ABC-TV for prime time, at which he presented LIFE Legends Awards to, among other notables, Muhammed Ali, John Glenn, Bob Hope, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. He was a Senior Vice President at the New York Public Library under Chairman Andrew Heiskell and the Reverend Timothy Healey, S.J. He arranged the full financing for Kunhardt Productions' 13-part series, "The American Presidents," as well as two films on the New York Public Library, all of which aired on PBS. With Beth Goehring's help, he compiled two books: Material Possessions and Outward Appearances: The Words of Edward Patrick Lenahan and LIFE Legends Revisited. Predeceased by his wife Jean in 2001, he moved to New York City and took full advantage of the city's cultural and social worlds, his clubs, and the company of his many friends. Beloved by all who knew him for his phenomenal memory for names no matter how tongue-twisting, his colorful stories of the famous places and people he'd known, and his intellect which was summed up succinctly by his grandson Johnny as "Papa knows everything." Funeral services will be private. Donations may be made in his name to Loyola University, 1032 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois 60660. (Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt)