Lee Roy Whitman, son of Ethen Miles Whitman and Carolyn May Whitman, passed away April 8, 2025, at his home in Blue Lake at the age of 76. Lee was born in Ellensburg, Washington, on Aug. 2, 1948.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karis Marie Yerton, and his brother, Mark Alan Whitman. Lee is survived by his ex-wife, Deborah Whitman, of Eureka, and their son, Nicholas Jay Whitman, his wife, La Velle Whitman, of Blue Lake, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Lee is also survived by his sister, Connie Heine (James), of Delano, Minnesota, his sister, Mary Holt, of Sacramento, and numerous nieces and nephews.
After attending grade school in Malin Oregon the family moved to Hoopa. He graduated from Hoopa High School in 1966. After high school Lee was drafted into the United States Army at age 19 and spent two years in Vietnam. After his service ended, he attended Perry Technical Institute of Yakima and had various short-term jobs , before going to work for the United States Forest Service as a mechanic for the rest of his professional career. He retired in the early 2000s after which he spent his time as an automotive hobbyist and woodworking craftsman.
A memorial is being planned for all who knew him. It will be held Friday, May 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. in McKinleyville at Azalea Hall, Hewitt room, 1620 Picket Road.
This article appears in ‘If Only We’d Done More to Save Her’.