Hugh Whitson

Hugh Whitson, cherished citizen and lifelong resident of White Salmon, passed away on July 22, 2025. Hugh succumbed after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He fought valiantly with grace and poise, never complaining and always maintaining a positive mental attitude in his fight against this dreadful disease. A lesser man would have given up many months ago, but with Linda, his wife of 52 years constantly by his side, he remained steadfast in his struggle.
Hugh was born September 15, 1951, in Hood River, Oregon, to Hulan and Berneice Whitson. After spending his first two years in Trout Lake, Hugh's family moved to White Salmon where Hugh attended grade school, junior high school, and graduated from Columbia High School in 1969. After high school, Hugh left to attend the University of Washington, where he met his soulmate and future wife, Linda Harting, in 1971. He graduated in 1973 with a degree in business, eventually moving back to White Salmon in 1977, where he was an agent and then ultimately purchased McCoy-Holliston Insurance, working tirelessly to build the business into a powerhouse in the Gorge. He was able to sell the business and retire in 2012.
He was always a leader, whether it be on football and basketball teams in high school or helping in the community. He was a member of Elks Lodge No. 1868, a volunteer firefighter, a Rotarian, was elected to the White Salmon Valley School Board, was very involved with CASPE (Columbia Alumni Scholarship Permanent Endowment) which reached his goal of over one million dollars before his death, helped organize high school reunions, worked on the Hawaiian Chain Gang for high school football games, and his long umpiring career was rewarded when he was chosen to be home plate umpire at the 2003 National Girls Softball Championship at Alpenrose stadium.
Hugh was an avid swimmer. Over the last several decades of his life he had a daily practice in which he would swim vigorously for around an hour every morning. This enabled him to maintain excellent cardio-vascular health and a zest for life.
Hugh was a big music lover throughout his life. He loved to see live music and attend concerts. In his earlier years he was a big fan of Rock n' Roll. Later in life he grew to deeply appreciate Blues music. In the last few years of his life, he and Linda would regularly embark on week-long, special "Blues Cruises".
After retiring, Hugh enjoyed traveling with Linda and had many wonderful experiences, whether it be hiking, going on cruises, golfing, vacationing at the Oregon Coast, enjoying Reno and Vegas, or spending long wintertime stretches in Mazatlán, where they made many friends.
Hugh was very gregarious with a natural gift for the gab. He could always find a way to talk with anyone from all walks of life whether it be to a friend, acquaintance, or even a complete stranger. His ability to easily relate to and create a rapport with others served him well both socially and professionally. His sense of humor was indeed unique and his comic antics entertained and amused all those with whom he crossed paths. His carefree and quirky attitudes have enriched the lives of so many and will be sorely missed.
Hugh was a loving family man and is survived by his wife, Linda, sons Steven and Kevin, daughter Kristina; brother Mike (Jessica) and grandson Braeden Kevin Marsh.
There will be a celebration of life, held at the Grace Baptist Church Building in White Salmon on September 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM. If you are unable to attend in person it will be live streaming at http://youtube.com/@gracews2503
Make sure you get those Hawaiian shirts ready! Contributions can be made out to WA-CHS Alumni Association and marked as a memorial for Hugh at P.O. Box 974, White Salmon WA 98672; or to the American Cancer Society.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.