Walter Whitney

Keene Valley Mr. Walter D. “Doug” Whitney, 81, of Route 73 in Keene Valley, passed away Friday September 6, 2013 at the Elizabethtown Community Hospital in Elizabethtown. He was born in Keene Valley on February 10, 1932 son of the late Eleanor DeVost. Doug attended Westport High School where he was very active in sports. After high school he worked in the mines in Mineville. While working in the mines he played baseball for the Lewis Town Team and was the catcher for Johnny Podres. He was also a member of the Tahawus “Dutch Boys” traveling basketball team. Doug then joined the US Army serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Harvey Branch before going to work for the Town of Keene, which he served over 40 years. He was a life-long Member of the Keene Valley Fire Department. Doug enjoyed attending his children’s, grandchildren’s and friends sporting events and school activities. He enjoyed working in the sugar bush producing many gallons of maple Syrup and also enjoyed working on his wood pile. Doug is survived by his wife, the former Gladys Winch whom he married November 24, 1957, children; Wesley Whitney of Keene Valley, Carla Whitney of Elizabethtown and her daughter Darcy, Kerry Whitney and his companion Sarah Melville of Keene Valley, Rebecca Odell and her husband John of Keene Valley and their children Katheryn, Patrick and Ryan, Barbara Ratliff and her husband Don of Elizabethtown and their children Whitney, Derrick, Trevor and Joseph, brother; Timothy DeVost of Glenmont, one great granddaughter Alexa. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. At Doug’s request there will be no calling hours. A Graveside service with military honors will be Tuesday September 10, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Norton Cemetery in Keene. Donations in Doug’s memory may be made to the Town of Keene Parks and Recreations Department.