Calvin Hugh Whitnah, 70, of Richland, died Aug. 10, 2008, at his home.
Funeral services will be held Friday at the LDS Chapel in Halfway at 2 p.m., with a viewing from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., and burial at the Richland cemetery. Friends and neighbors are invited to attend a memorial potluck at the New Bridge Grange at 5 p.m. that evening.
Calvin was born June 6, 1938 in Rupert, Idaho, to Harvey Marshall and Clarice Ann (Harwood) Whitnah.
Growing up in Richland, Calvin was active in 4-H, football, basketball, hunting, and helping to run the family ranch.
After graduating from Eagle Valley High School, Calvin studied at the Northrop Institute of Technology in California to become an airplane mechanic. Fortunately, he was unable to find work in California, and found himself back at home in Richland. Acting as chauffeur to a group of friends, he met Emma Louise Koch in New Meadows, Idaho. They were married there on May 17, 1959.
Calvin and Emma moved often, settling down for 10 years in Aloha, where they raised three boys: Wes, of Aloha; Mike, of La Grande; and Don, of Orem, Utah. Spare time was spent with family going to the coast and rock hunting. Leaving the Portland area, Calvin and Emma also spent time in Ontario and La Grande.
Trading airplanes for trucks, Calvin was a diesel mechanic for several major trucking companies and the State of Oregon. Calvin was often recognized for his skill and hard work.
After his retirement, Calvin and Emma returned to Richland. Calvin kept busy working for his brother, Warren, helping work the same land that he grew up on. He was always eager to take the grandkids out to feed the horses and play in the hay. Calvin was a regular participant in local parades, driving an antique tractor he restored.
Calvin spent his last day doing what he did best – helping others and looking forward to seeing his grandchildren.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his brother, wife, three sons, and 12 grandchildren.
Coles Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, August 13, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
