Frank Southey Whittington

Frank Southey Whittington passed away on April 17, 2020 from injuries sustained at his home in Fort Jones. Frank was born August 19, 1937 in Hollywood to Frank and Edna Whittington. He lived as a child in the Los Angeles area where he developed his lifelong love affair with the Dodgers. His teenage years were spent in the Felton/Santa Cruz area. When Frank was eighteen his father passed away from complications related to nerve gas exposure during World War I. After graduation from high school in Felton, Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he completed his education. As a young man Frank became the proud father of twin girls Alison and Amber. After returning from the service Frank began his long and storied teaching career at Santa Ynez High School. Here Frank fostered many lifelong friendships among both his colleagues and his students. Frank was highly respected for his teaching skills in the subjects of Social Studies, Spanish and Woodshop. He is rather infamous and beloved for his unique teaching “strategies.” It was of highest honor for Frank to receive comments from former students speaking of the importance Frank's words and actions played in their development and their lives. The teacher in Frank extended well beyond the classroom and he never missed an opportunity to offer life lessons and instructions in day to day interactions - some of which were difficult to sit through when you were really just looking for the short answer. Among the many lessons that Frank imparted to all around him was a dedication to the 6 P’s- Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance- and that the hardest way to earn a dollar was to work for it. He was a meticulous and thorough planner. Every time you arrived at a job site with Frank you had every possible tool you might need as well all materials- pre marked, drilled and cut to specification. His sharp mind was equally adept at problem solving and he loved to dive into a situation and search for ideal solutions- even when his input was not directly solicited. In 1967 Frank married Sharon and the two raised daughters Tiffany and Robyn. The family expanded with the informal adoption of Jose Iniguez, a young man whom the family took in and raised as their own. While teaching, Frank was a very enterprising man and was always engaged in some form of project involving developing property or woodworking. Frank valued the outdoors greatly and the family spent many summer days camping and travelling. Frank really enjoyed time spent with his many man friends such as Bob Korte, Cecil Millett and Will Stensland. He was definitely a man’s man and was awkward around, and tried his best to avoid womantalk. One of his favorite getaways was Jackass Meadows in the Sierras. Frank also enjoyed cutting firewood and took pride in always having a lifetime supply of firewood. He was an avid sign maker and had a wonderful sense of humor that was reflected in his many cautionary signs- that have caused more than a few folks to reconsider coming down the driveway. Of the many politically incorrect signs Frank made, perhaps his favorite was the one that epitomized Frank’s character and approach to life, “Whit’s End, Where Friends and Family Gather.” In 1988 after retiring from teaching, Frank and Sharon moved with their family to Scott Valley where they have resided since. Even though they still attend the flatlander party each year, Frank was anything but a flatlander. This country and its lifestyle suited Frank to a tee. Frank and Sharon ultimately settled into two beautiful homes that Frank built on the eastside of the valley. The one problem Frank struggled to find a solution to was his deteriorating health. This vibrant, hardworking and capable man was reluctant to accept the realities of aging and Frank often spoke of “circling the drain.” Yet, he still remained active in family affairs and loved to go camping or travelling with his kids and grandkids. He also involved puttering around the property keeping track of all the goings-on in his side by side “buggy.” In his later years Frank enjoyed reading and watching sports- especially Pac 12 college sports and golf. He still enjoyed tinkering in his shop and his mind remained sharp his entire life. Frank enjoyed competitive activities -whether it was ping pong in his younger years, any card game or off road golf- in which he was the Shingletown Open runner up in 2016. Frank was a strong willed individual to say the least. Yet anyone close to him knew he had a good heart and would never question his love for family. He was a great patriarch of his clan and provided assistance in innumerable ways. Frank dedicated his life to being a great “provider.” It must be said in conclusion that Frank Whittington left his mark. His impacts and his memories have made a lasting impression among the many lives he touched. What better way to culminate a life well lived than by finally reaching his Whit’s End. Frank is survived by his loving wife Sharon, four daughters Alison, Amber, Tiffany and Robyn. He leaves behind six grandkids: Alaina, Carla, Christy, Braden, Jarob and Marlaina, and one great-grandaughter Mykenzi. The family is very aware of and appreciates greatly the well wishes and condolences so many have offered. Per Frank’s wishes no services will be conducted and the family is not soliciting contributions. However, for those wishing to make a gesture in Frank’s memory, donations could be made to Madrone Hospice (255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097) or Rescue Ranch Adoption Center (2216 East Oberlin Road, Yreka, CA 96097).

Frank Southey Whittington

August 19, 1937 - April 17, 2020