Gary E. Whitney

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – Gary E. Whitney passed peacefully on March 20, 2025. He was born in Seattle, Wash., on Sept. 15, 1939, to Evelyn and Everett Smith. Years later, he took his beloved stepfather’s (Lawrence Whitney) surname. His mother and stepfather moved to Farmington, in his teens and from there on Maine was his home. He graduated from Farmington High School, attended the University of Maine for one year, then transferred to the Maine Maritime Academy.

Upon graduation from the Academy he shipped out for one year and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served four years of active duty and 21 years reserve duty and achieved the rank of Captain.

Gary’s career was at the Maine Department of Labor, retiring as a field supervisor after 25 years.

He was a great athlete and played quarterback in high school as well as at the Maine Maritime Academy. He played several sports, but his true love was golf. He was a member of Val Halla Country Club for over 40 years, winning many tournaments, including the prized Club Championship. Golf was also special to Gary as that is where he met many lifelong friends.

Upon his retirement, Gary spent winters in Florida and summers in Maine, the reason being, of course, so he could play golf all year round.

He leaves behind longtime friend, Priscilla Sanborn; former wife, Susan Whitney; sister, Wendy Anderson; daughter, Tracy Whitney; grandchildren, Meghan Allen (husband, Chelsea), Molly Mitchell (partner, Cal Miller), Maryann Ladd (fiancee, Jason Iannuzzi), and Robert Ladd (wife, Brooklyn); as well as 12 great-grandchildren.

Gary will be remembered as a great friend who liked being with his coworkers and other friends playing golf, boating on Big Sebago Lake, playing cards, grilling outdoors, as well as attending all family outings. He will also be remembered for his kindness and generosity to those he loved.

A celebration of life in honor of what would have been his 85th birthday will be held at Spring Meadows Golf Club in Gray, on Sept. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. All are welcome.