Robert "Bob" Whitney

Robert "Bob" Whitney Resident of Alameda Robert "Bob" Whitney, died peacefully at home in Alameda on Thursday, August 12, at the age of ninety-one. Born in Seattle on July 20, 1919, Bob was married to Jeanne McKinnell Whitney for sixty-three years. Jeanne died in 2008, and Bob deeply missed her during his last two years. Bob and Jeanne had two sons, Robert Jr. (wife Sharon) of Tucson and John (wife Liz) of Oakland. Bob grew up in Seattle and Bellevue, Washington, where he developed a life-long love of sailing. He was an active member of the Aeolian Yacht Club in Alameda and developed many lasting friendships with other members, some of whom he regularly enjoyed sailing with on the Bay. Quite the adventurer, he twice participated in Single-handed Trans-Pac races to Hawaii. Fit and energetic, Bob also rowed his shell in the Estuary until he was ninety. Bob graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle and entered the University Of Washington in 1938 as an engineering student. He was a four-year member of the varsity crew under Al Ulbrickson. World War II interrupted his studies at the University of Washington, and Bob joined the Navy to become a fighter pilot and squadron leader. During the Pacific campaign, Bob flew Corsairs from the aircraft carrier Shangri La. He retired from the Navy as a Captain in the Naval Reserve. From 1955-63, he obtained his masters and Ph D, at Yale, Harvard, and Cornell. He joined the staff of then Cal Sate Hayward in 1963 where he was a physics professor for nearly thirty years. Bob was a teacher at heart, and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to mentor his students to success. Bob will be deeply missed by his granddaughter, Lisa Whitney, of Bend Oregon, grandsons Jim, Greg (wife Carrie), and Michael (wife Jessica) Whitney, of Tucson, and grandsons Colin and Ren of Oakland. Bob also loved his great grandchildren Gabrielle, Lily, Indigo, and Cameron. Bob and Jeanne enjoyed many years of active membership in the Congregational Church of Alameda where they enjoyed singing in the choir. They especially appreciated the progressive and inclusive attitudes that exist among the membership. Bob's family wishes to express their profound gratitude to friends and neighbors who supported Bob with love and companionship. Please know that you made the old guy very happy. A memorial service will be held September 25, 2010, 10:00AM, at the First Congregational Church of Alameda. A reception will follow at the Aeolian Yacht Club, Alameda.