Charles Alan Whittemore passed away peacefully at home in Seattle, on December 28, 2022, from complications of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. He was 87 years old. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lolita; his brother Bob and sister-in-law Leslie; his brother Herb and sister-in-law Billie; his sister Sue; and his wife of 45 years, Bernice. He is survived by his son Matt, daughter-in-law Kirsten and grandson Harrison; his daughter Beth and son-in-law Clint; his brother-in-law Bob Nebeling; his sister-in-law Sybil; the most loyal and generous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and the kindest friends and neighbors from his many stops along the way. Born in Grand Junction, Colorado, Alan spent his early years in Colorado and Nevada and his education and jobs led him to California, Colorado, Minnesota, Georgia and Oregon. He earned degrees from Stanford University and the University of Colorado and spent his career as an accomplished research chemist at 3M and Georgia-Pacific, and as a chemistry professor at the Colorado Women’s College.
After retiring, Alan lived in Leavenworth, Washington, the place he lived the longest and loved the most. Alan read voraciously, often multiple books at once, watched his favorite shows on PBS, enjoyed opera performances and classical music concerts, cross-country skied, meticulously tended his yard and created beautiful pieces in his woodworking shop. He was active in churches every place he lived, where he found comfort and friendship in each church community.
Like many Whittemores, Alan was wicked smart, a lifelong learner, an industrious worker and always early to his destination. He appreciated lively conversation, especially when there was opportunity to chuckle over a zinger or two. He will be missed by family and friends.
No memorial service is planned at this time.
If you wish to honor Alan’s memory, his favorite organizations were Upper Valley Meeting All Needs with Dignity ( uvmend.org ), where he was a regular volunteer, and Icicle Creek Center for the Arts ( icicle.org ), where he gleefully attended concerts of all kinds. Blood transfusions allow people with blood disorders like Alan’s to feel better and live longer, and the Whittemore family encourages all who are able to donate blood through your local Red Cross or blood bank.