Daniel Edward Whitney

1947 - 2017

Lincoln-Daniel Edward Whitney, 70, husband of Diane (Crocker) Whitney, died May 6, 2017, at a Boston hospital. He was born January 7, 1947, in Lincoln, the son of Edward and Laraine (Stratton) Whitney. Dan was a 1965 graduate of Mattanawcook Academy and a 1967 graduate of Beal Business College. He married his high school sweetheart on February 24, 1968. He served in the Army National Guard from 1967-1973. Dan started his career as a car salesman in 1970 at A&S Motors in Lincoln. In 1980, He and Diane, and Roger and Jay Cole purchased the local Ford dealership. At the time, Roger and Dan were the youngest Ford dealers in the country. After Roger's retirement in 2000, Dan became the sole owner and president of Cole-Whitney Ford. He will be remembered for his honesty, work-ethic, sense of humor and caring nature. In November 2007, Dan suffered a stroke leaving him with some disabilities, but his determination and drive to improve was an inspiration to many. Those personality traits mentioned, which brought him loyal customers since 1970, faithful employees and great friends over the years, never changed. He continued to work six days a week while going to physical therapy, faithfully, four days a week. He was a well-respected businessman in Lincoln and was loved and admired by all who knew him. His Cole-Whitney Ford family will miss him dearly. He never truly believed how much of an impact he had on others. He was a member of the Legion of Leaders, Boston Region, Ford Motor Company; Horeb Lodge No. 93, Lincoln; Anah Temple Shrine Club, Bangor; Northern Penobscot Shrine Club, Lincoln; Lincoln Rotary Club; and was Past-President of First Congregational Church Men's Club; In his spare time he enjoyed 4-wheeling, fishing and hunting. Time spent on the pontoon boat in the summer and a week at hunting camp in November brought him great joy. In addition to his wife, Diane, he is survived by two children, Donna Bard and her husband, Michael, and Darren Whitney and his partner, Deena Crocker; one grandson, Leo Leeman; a brother, Joe Whitney and his wife, Bernette. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews and aunt. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son-in-law, Mark Mulligan; and his father-in-law. A graveside service will be held 1 pm Wednesday, May 10, at Lincoln Cemetery. There will be a casual gathering of family and friends at Cole-Whitney Ford following the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Mark Mulligan Scholarship Fund or to NPT Region III Automotive Program.