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Roger Whitney Obituary
passed away on September28, 2008. Roger K. Whitney, 61, of Glendale, AZ passed away Sunday, September 28, 2008 surrounded by his loving family. Roger's passion for art brought him notoriety as an accomplished painter, illustrator and portrait artist. Roger combined his love of golf and love of art in portraits commissioned annually of the FBR Open winners. Although Roger painted numerous celebrities including Tiger Woods and Mohammad Ali, he took joy in the portraits he did of Glendale High School Students of the month. In memory of Roger's parents, these portraits were then presented to the students. A Glendale High School grad himself, Roger went on to earn a business degree from ASU. In addition to his many commercial commissions, Roger's kind and generous spirit touched thousands through his community involvement. Roger donated countless hours in work with Young Life, Boys and Girls Clubs and particularly as a board member of the Solid Rock Foundation. Most recently, Roger was employed by the Marriott Corporation. Although his love was in Arizona, Roger loved spending time on the beaches of California with his family, especially the many family trips to San Diego. Roger will be remembered most as a loving husband, father, uncle and friend. Roger is survived by his loving wife Bette Jo; son Kyle Whitney; daughter Laura Whitney; stepdaughter Jessica Makinson; and sister Rosalyn (Larry) Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents Marion and Jayme Whitney; and his first wife Carol. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 from 5 to 8 pm at Heritage Funeral Chapel 6830 W Thunderbird Rd., Peoria, AZ. Funeral service will be held at 10 am Saturday October 4, 2008 at Trinity Bible Church, 3420 W Peoria Ave., Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Roger's name to Solid Rock Foundation, 4250 E Camelback Rd., Suite K-270, Phx., AZ, 85018, 1-888-972-5423, www. alicecoopersolidrock.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Roger Whitney
Don Petersen
October 12, 2024
Thank you for the number of sketches of our Lord Jesus.
Very special
Jack & julia Pierce
October 23, 2008
Roger blessed our lives 23 years ago when he introduced us to Santos & family. Carol was the childrens school nurse. Because of Roger, we walked along side Santos family for many, many years. We were blessed to know Roger, such a strong Christian man, and enjoyed several visits to Rogers home. Golf was one of Rogers loves and Jack, my husband, was blessed to have played with Roger many times. The portrait of our three sons with Christ, and the Gainey Ranch water color, that Roger gave Jack with "Hit them straight, Jack" takes honor in our living room. Kyle was too young to remember the golf club Jack made to size for him but Kyle loved to practice with that club. Roger blessed our lives and our hearts. Now you are at peace with Jesus.
October 3, 2008
It doesn't seem possible that someone so eternally young at heart could be gone so quickly. Kyle and Laura, I'm sure that if your dad, mom, or BJ could have chosen, you would not have had to endure the heartaches the past 5 years have brought.
May the passage of time ease the pain now being felt by the Whitney family and Roger's wide circle of friends.
Bruce, Judy, Dinah and Kale Gans
Shelley Mosley
October 3, 2008
Roger was a kind man with a ready smile. We were the fortunate recipients of two of the wonderful portraits he did for Glendale High School's Student of the Month program. Andy's has been on display in our living room since 1995, and Jessica's since 1999. We look at them every day and appreciate the generosity of the man and his fine artistic skill. He will be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
Fred & Lou-Enne Lyddon
October 3, 2008
Our Sympathy to Roger's family. We will always have the fond memories of times spent with Roger. His sense of humor will always be in our hearts he will be missed by us and many others.
Jim and Ann(Austin) Hutchinson
October 3, 2008
Rosalyn and all of Roger's family,
Jim and I have many fond memories of Roger, going way back to West D Avenue in Glendale!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God give each of you the peace that only He can give.
Jim and Ann
John and Vicki Spitler-Resch
October 3, 2008
What a special Christ centered soul who will be remembered here and enjoyed throughout eternity. Roger touched so many lives with tenderness and humor and beauty. Childhood memories of early Glendale with close friends that have endured through a lifetime. An extraordinary talent that has left portraits near and dear to all of us. A dedication to Jesus from high school Young Life meetings to work with the Rock that has planted seeds that live on in the hearts so many. A life well lived--we'll miss you. It's not good-bye, just see you later.
James Grothaus
October 3, 2008
My thoughts and prayers to Rogers family. He will be missed but always remembered for his humor and love, especially to the Young Life family.
Jeff Miller
October 3, 2008
From the Miller's Mike, Patty, Colleen, Jeff, and Tim I wanted to say our deepest sympathy on your loss, My father and family will cherished the memories that we have been able to have over the years. Roger loved playing golf and I know my father loved playing golf with Roger and friends.
God Bless.
Douglas Whitford
October 2, 2008
Roger and I became friends on a rafting trip down the Colorado River in 2001. I grew up in Glendale but had never met him until that time. I can only imagine the loss that you feel as his family, he was very special and I will miss him too.
Phyllis McMillan Trezise
October 2, 2008
Our deepest sympathy on your loss, these words of sympathy are sent with a prayer that cherished memories and the love of God will bring you peace.
God Bless.
John and Lynn Rinehart
October 2, 2008
Laura, Kyle, BJ and all of the Whitney Family. Roger was one of the first people I met when I moved to AZ in 1976. I could not ask to have a better first friend in my adopted state. I never cease to be amazed at your talent as an artist, parent, spouse and friend. There is hardly a wall in my house that does not cause me to smile and think of you as I view your art. Say hello to Carol and your parents for me.
You are a very special person.
John and Lynn
Paul Sullivan
October 2, 2008
Roger, I will miss you. You did so much for everyone who surrounded you including myself. I cant count the number of clients you sent my way and all the complements you gave me regarding my work. Framing your beautiful paintings was my pleasure, you were a great person to work with. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Beverly Carr
October 2, 2008
I look at Roger's artwork every day in our offices and have always marveled at his exceptional talent. When he married dear B.J. it was then thoughts of how wonderful it was that these two talented people found happiness together. You are all in my prayers.
Tammy Pemberton (Scott)
October 2, 2008
Dear Rosalyn and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family. I have fond memories, as so many of us do in growing up together in Glendale. I wish I could be there with you for the services but we are in Colorado for Joe to do another training session. Roger's art is inspiring and will be of great interest also to my daughter who is an art teacher at Washington High. Know my heart is with you all.
Love,
Tammy
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