Stephen H. Whitson

STEPHEN H. WHITSON Steve was born in Brooklyn New York on April 14, 1939, to Mitchel and Anna Whitson and died on June 17, 2009 in an aircraft accident in Lake Elsinore, California. He leaves behind many who loved him and who he loved in return. His wife Judith (Judy) Whitson, son Scott Whitson, wife Jeri and grandchildren Carissa and Brandon, of Minnifee. Son Mitchel Whitson, wife Audrey and grandsons Austin and Alec, of Fallbrook. Stepson (Judy's) Mike Maely, wife Karen and granddaughter Debra Maely, of Wrightwood. He is also survived by his mother, Anna Whitson of Riverside and brother George Whitson, wife Karen and nephews Matt and Danny, of Rockville Centre, New York. First wife Verna Whitson of Anaheim and her daughter Carol Casagrande of Canada. He was predeceased by his father and brother Robert John Whitson. Robert's children are Mitchel, Valerie, Tony, Tobey, and Ava of Nashville, TN. After graduating Erasmus High he joined the Air Force and while stationed near Sioux Ste. Marie, Canada he met and married Verna Aiello. He worked in Aerospace for a number of years, and Verna became an expert mover as Steve was transferred around the country many times with her and their two sons. They were living in California when the aerospace industry dried up. After trying sales for a while, he heard of an opening in the Anaheim Police Department. He worked patrol and spent many years on the night shift. He flew "Angel" the police helicopter, worked in I.D and was an Economic Crimes Detective. He served as president of the Anaheim Police Association. In 1986 he married Judy Whitson and they lived in a small trailer for 4 years while they built their home in Lake Mathews. Upon retiring, after 22 years in December 1994, Steve became editor and writer for Private Pilot Magazine and then launched Custom Plane Magazine. After ten years, he semi-retired and wrote free lance for several magazines. He earned his private pilots license in 1974 and subsequently had a commercial pilot license with ratings for rotorcraft-helicopter, aircraft multi engine instrument sea and land with a tail wheel endorsement. He was also a licensed aircraft engine and airframe mechanic. He received his Bachelors degree from University of Fullerton and had many certificates and licenses including Private Investigator. He held officer positions of many clubs and organizations. He was a member of the Corona Pilots Association, AOPA, Anaheim Police Association, Inland Empire HOG, Circle City HOG, El Prado Seniors Golf, Riverside Art Association, American Motorcycle Association, Trailblazers, Antique Airplane Association, Cessna Owners Association. Other affiliations past and present were Toastmasters, Comanche Society, various law enforcement groups, Sierra Club, Natures Conservatory, Abate, and many more. Among his interests during his lifetime were sky diving, aviation, skiing, poetry, photography, motorcycles, opera, classical music, Willie Nelson, art, hiking, golf, writing and he ran marathons. He pursued and was open to new friends and adventures while cherishing the old. He wasn't often without a book and kept a large assortment of dictionaries which he read from cover to cover. He was fascinated with words and continually added to his large vocabulary. He looked forward to golf, especially with the El Prado gang, his sons and brother George. It was common for him to disappear at a party to watch a golf game on his hosts TV. He enjoyed pizza and beer. Steve had a great sense of humor and loved to tease, especially the ladies. He was opinionated, stubborn, loyal, huggable, humorous, smart, honest, a great friend, father, grandfather and a fantastic husband. Steve was much loved and will continue to be in our hearts forever. Celebration of his life at Corona Airport, June 27th at 4pm. Interment at Riverside National Cemetery in July. In lieu of flowers, give a homeless person a couple bucks and/or help a disabled veteran and toast a beer to Steve.