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Roy Whitfield Obituary
Roy is a graduate of Phillips Brooks School, Menlo School and Vanderbilt University.
Strong in math, Roy had an exceptional memory, notably applied in casual poker and his ability to recite the script of almost all episodes of the first eleven series of The Simpsons and the lyrics of most songs of the Rolling Stones. In sports, though not the most skillful, he more than compensated with his tenacity and team spirit. At 5' 8" and 160lbs, he consistently punched above his weight in sport. Roy started in the Menlo School 2000 Division Champion football team. On graduation night, teacher Steve Gill praised Roy as "the smallest but toughest Defensive End ever to play for Menlo". Roy went on to play varsity rugby at Vanderbilt.
A 2004 Electrical Engineering graduate at Vanderbilt, Roy began his professional career at Nanonexus in San Jose, where he rose to become the company's chief metrologist. After Nanonexus was acquired in 2009, Roy joined Ajax Boiler in Tustin and commenced his romance with his new home, a stone's throw from the Corona del Mar beach. Fishing became a favorite pastime, off the Southern California and Baja coasts and at several venues around the world.
Roy treasured his family never missing a birthday or holiday occasion. In his own quiet way he always had a smile for everybody and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his devoted mother and father, Carol and Roy Whitfield of Atherton, his adoring brother Thomas and future sister-in-law Vanessa of San Francisco.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service and Celebration of Roy's Life on Tuesday, June 27 at 4:00 pm at Menlo Church, 950 Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park with a reception immediately following at the Menlo Circus Club. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Roy's name at Caminar: http://www.caminar.org/blog/2017/5/26/memorial-fund-roy-whitfield-jr.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roy Whitfield
1 Entry
Russell Yount
June 30, 2017
Heartbreaking news. I worked with his mother who is a wonderful strong highly intelligent woman and also worked with her husband Roy Sr. who is also a wonderful highly intelligent person. My heart aches for Roy, Carol and Tommy. Roy Jr was such a good looking young man (many years ago when they were both very young I wished for my one of my daughters to be his bride) and you knew with the genes of Roy sr and Carol he would be highly intelligent, which by reading his obituary, he obviously was. Sad sad news and my prayers are with the Whitfield family during this difficult time. I hope God gives them the strength to work through this. Let us all pray for them.
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