Robert C. Whiting found just what he wanted when he purchased property in Kalkaska Township in 1969.
It had the open space and proper soil to support an evergreen tree farm. The area also provided an ideal home base from which to begin his motorcycle trips through many upstate counties. He and his friends met in the fall for deer hunting.
On Mar 12, 2005, he died at the Munson Medical Center in Traverse City at the age 67.
Robert earned his master mechanic certification while employed as a vehicle mechanic for Michigan Bell, later to become Ameritech and then SBC.
He served in the US Army as a PFC E-3 and was stationed in Okinawa for much of his tour.
Although Bob spent most of his early years in Detroit, he began searching for a place in the country when he was honorably discharged from the service. He settled outside Hamburg, before moving to Kalkaksa.
He was a member of the Harley Owners Group. As a young man, he participated in many motorcycle races across the country, including one with a sidecar which he and his friend won.
Bob was especially proud of his "Woodland Conservationist" award received in 1985 from the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service. To help control wind and water erosion he converted his Christmas tree farm, planting it with 20,000 red pines. He was recognized for his successful efforts in managing his woodlands.
His parents, Percy and Viola (Des Jardins) Whiting, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his sister, Barbara C. Hungerman of Elyria, OH; one niece; and four nephews.
Friends are welcome to join the family for the funeral service on Sat, May 7, at 3 pm at Wolfe Funeral Home. The Rev. James R. Barrand of St Mary of the Woods Catholic Church will officiate. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Kalkaska VFW Post 8684.
