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Frank Whitesell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Whitesell
Kathleen Kerr
June 26, 2009
Everyone who was lucky enough to know Frank carries a piece of him in their hearts forever. He had a way of connecting, of making you laugh no matter what was happening in your life. And whether it was a week or ten years since the last contact, that connection never seemed to fade. I know there are many who, like me, are richer in their lives for their friendship with him. I hope that during your profound grief, you may also find healing and comfort
from that beautiful and simple fact.
June 24, 2009
We had the privilege of meeting Frank through our mutual friend Kathleen Kerr. He visited us in our home a few times. We remember his kindness, intellect, and wit. People don't often remember an individual they knew only briefly more than 28 years ago. Frank was memorable and lovable and modest about his many achievements even then. We are so sorry for this great loss.
Sonia and Ray Russo
Gaithersburg, MD
Mary Wingrove-Chasson
June 19, 2009
My love and heartfelt condolences go out to all the Whitesell's. I have a myriad of wonderful childhood memories in which "Mister" (as he will always remain to me) played a central role. Whether it was our summer vacations to Canada, backyard barbeques followed by "capture the flag" or weekends at the cabin in the mountains, Mister's presence always added the spice. His was a delightful, witty, free spirit and one which I will never forget. I recall a verbal sparring between Mister and his father over the lyrics of Simon and Garfunkel's "I am a Rock"; with Mister trying in vain to explain the 'hidden message' of the song and his father steadfastly maintaining it was all nonsense. I always admired the stand Mister took that afternoon up at the cabin in the mountains. It took courage to disagree with Dr. Whitesell!
On behalf of the Wingrove sisters, please accept our love and thankfulness for the gift of your friendship the past forty plus years. 'Mister' will be forever in our hearts.
Mary Wingrove Chasson
Simon Hamilton
June 10, 2009
Over the years I came to respect Frank as a man of great intellect and insight and very much valued his opinions on the financial markets, economy and the world in general. Above all I knew him to be a committed family man who selflessly worked to make sure his loved ones would be cared for in the years ahead. He will be sorely missed and all of us here extend our warmest condolences to Jean and the kids.
Luke Whitesell
June 8, 2009
The Gift of My Brother
Delivered at the Wake of Frank Whitesell III on the evening of June 4, 2009
On behalf of Frank’s family, I thank you for coming this evening. Your presence and your expressions of sympathy honor his memory and they give great comfort to his family during this sad and difficult time. Frank’s family has asked me to speak to you for a few moments about his life and then I will invite anyone here who wishes to say a few words to do so as well.
Although it may be customary on occasions like this, I find that I cannot even begin to summarize Frank’s life, the many wonderful things that he accomplished and the tremendous loss we have suffered by his early death. You would not be here if you didn’t already know these things and perhaps more importantly, Frank would absolutely hate to be talked about in this way. Instead I want to think with you a bit about the invaluable gift Frank has given me and all of us in the way he lived his life. I am certain that if thinking about him can help us, especially his children understand and find meaning in our own lives, it would make Frank very happy.
In the days, months and years ahead, you and I will be haunted by the question “Why is life so unfair?” Why did such a kind and gentle man who was doing so much good in the world die young while evil, selfish and destructive people appear to go happily on their way? Indeed, it is tempting, at this moment to be angry, bitter and cynical about the injustice of it all. Even after decades as a doctor for children with cancer, I can’t pretend to have an answer. Over the years, I have worked with some of the most thoughtful, clever scientists in the world and I can assure you that the answer does not lie in our ever-increasing knowledge of biological mechanisms. My brother, Frank didn’t know either. Long before he became ill, however, he had the profound wisdom to see that the question itself is superficial and false; that it betrays a lack of real understanding. Rather than become bitter and cynical by the unfairness of life, Frank saw each day as a wonderful gift, freely bestowed, gratefully accepted, but completely undeserved. With this perspective, he lived each day with infectious enthusiasm. When he became ill, his greatest concern was not about dying, but that his illness and death would cause harm to his family. Even a month before he died, while sitting around in his wheelchair unable to move the entire left side of his body, he told me what a lucky person he considered himself.
I will finish with a brief vignette that Frank’s wife Jean related to me shortly after his death. I think it conveys the power of Frank’s wisdom and how he would like us to look upon his life. It seems a couple of co-workers at Frank’s hospital in Amery, Wisconsin were talking in the operating room one afternoon about Frank and his illness. One said to the other, “Do you think there could be a miracle and Frank’s cancer will be cured?” The other replied, “Don’t you understand, Frank is the miracle.” He and his life were a gift to us all, freely bestowed and completely undeserved.
Cindy Carroll
June 7, 2009
We're so sorry to hear of the loss of Frank. We have been and will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.
Brian & Cindy Carroll
Joe Giampietro
June 5, 2009
Frank was a unique member of our high school class, not at the center of class highjinks, but always nearby, one of the brightest, but never "superior" in self-regard. I can understand why he will be sorely missed, my thoughts go out to his family.
Ted May
June 5, 2009
Having also attended St. Anselm's with Peter Whitesell, I would like to extend condolences to my friend and the rest of the Whitesell family.
May Dr. Frank rest in peace.
Peter Chemery
June 4, 2009
I too spent six years at St. Anselm's with Frank, and every memory I have of him is a happy one. Thanks, Frank. Pax et Sapientia has always suited you.
Dave Haaga
June 4, 2009
I went to St. Anselm's with Dr. Whitesell's brother Peter and was very saddened to hear this news. My condolences to your entire extended family.
Jake Widman
June 4, 2009
I was thinking about Frank just the other day--I was listening to some Joni Mitchell music and recalled what a big fan he was. And as always when I thought of Frank, I remembered our endless games of gin on the bus from St. Anselm's to downtown. I'm shocked and saddened to hear of his passing but pleased to see that people who knew him later thought as highly of him as I did. My condolences to his family.
Jane Nilles
June 3, 2009
Dearest Jean,
The two of you were inspiring, caring, loving and adventurous together. Frank is with God now and you will miss him dearly. May God give you comfort today and tomorrow through your children, family and friends. xoxoxo
Julie Carey
June 3, 2009
So many words could describe Dr. Frank Whitesell III with his honesty, compassion, integrity and generosity. Frank truly was a southern gentleman. He was an amazing man always putting others before himself. I feel honored that he was my friend and mentor. My heart goes out to the Whitesell and Winslow families in their loss. He truly was a great human bring and will be missed very much.
Bob Ostmann
June 3, 2009
I spent six years growing up with Frank at St. Anselm's long ago. He was the kindest, smartest, gentlest, most compassionate kid I ever knew, and from the comments here, it's plain to see he became even more so as a man. My deepest sympathies to his family and many friends.
June 3, 2009
What a beautiful person we were privileged to know and share part of our life with.
What a legacy he has left for us to value and appreciate.
Jean, Emily, Claire & Frank IV - will be thinking of you with your loss. Our family loved that man and always will. He was our solid rock!
Laura
June 3, 2009
Dear Jean and kids; Frank was the most delightfully unpretentious and decent man we have ever known. His wit was charming and good willed. Frank's considerable legacy casts a wide shadow and leaves an indelible mark. He was truly a lovely man in the grandest sense of the term. God bless Dr. Frank Whitesell III. Chris and Kathy Bova
Rosemary Revoir
June 3, 2009
Gifted surgeon, loving father and husband, corny humorist, thoughtful, generous and remarkable human being! You will be missed more than words can express.
My love, prayers and condolences to all of the Whitesell and Winslow families.
June 3, 2009
A beautiful man leaves the legacy of a beautiful family. Our prayers are with you.
The Kenney Family from DJO
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