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July 10, 2012

Robert G. Whittaker

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BINGHAM TOWNSHIP — Robert G. "Bob" Whittaker Sr., of Bingham Township, passed away July 4, 2012, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, at the age of 103.

Bob's parents came to New York City from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1908. Bob was born on Jan. 17, 1909, in the borough of Manhattan. Two years later, the Whittaker family moved to Traverse City and Bob grew up on a farm on the Old Mission Peninsula.

Bob attended Traverse City High School, where he was a member of the Athletic Association in 1923 and 1926; won a varsity letter playing football in the guard and end positions; and was a member of the cast of the high school senior play. Bob graduated in 1926.

Bob was a lineman for the Public Service Commission (now Consumers Power) as a young man before he bought his farm. On June 9, 1933, Bob married Gladys Sladky, of Traverse City, and they moved to their farm in Leelanau County.

In the 1940s, in addition to farming during the day, Bob worked at Parts Manufacturing Factory in Traverse City on the afternoon shift, making tank parts for the military. Bob and Gladys' names are inscribed on the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., for their patriotic contributions during the war.

During his lifetime, Bob saw the change from kerosene lamps to electricity; the evolution of the auto from the Model T to today's luxury cars; and farming evolving from the use of horse drawn implements to 100-horsepower tractors.

Bob was a lifetime farmer and a dedicated steward of the land. They grew potatoes, strawberries, cherries, peaches, plums and apples, raised dairy cattle, and later, beef cattle. Bob was a pioneer in innovative farming methods, using the alternative row method of spraying his orchards.

In 1966 he was one of the first to use a mechanical shaker to harvest cherries. Each year, well up into his 90s, Bob grew a weed-free vegetable garden and a beautiful variety of unique flowers — both of which he graciously shared with his family.

He was a recipient of the District Conservation Award in 1968. He was a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau until his death. Bob and Gladys retired from farming in 1978, but kept active in farming helping their son, Stuart, and son-in-law, Gus Sharnowski, on their respective farms.

Bob was a life-long learner and avid reader. Upon retirement, he and Gladys had a room added to their house for all his books and various orchids and holiday cactus plants. He had a deep appreciation for music, from country to classical and opera, as well as a love for classical ballet.

Preceding Bob in death, on June 6, 2005, was the love of his life, to whom he was married for 72 years, Gladys Catherine Whittaker; his sister, Elizabeth Whittaker McCaskey, in 1966; and parents, Elizabeth (Menauch) Whittaker, in 1943, and Robert G. Whittaker, in 1947.

Surviving are his children, Robert G. (Carol) Whittaker Jr., of Luzerne, Stuart D. (Velvet) Whittaker, of Suttons Bay, Barbara (August) Sharnowski, of Suttons Bay; and Elizabeth Whittaker, of Santa Monica, Calif.; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; and/or the Leelanau County Veterans Memorial, 8527 Government Center Drive, Suite 101, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. A luncheon will be held after the service at St. Michael's Parish of Suttons Bay. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery, Traverse City, will follow the luncheon.

Please share thoughts and memories with Bob's family on their online guestbook at www.record-eagle.com/obituaries/

Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

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