Earl Lanfer Whitlow

This is the story of Earl Whitlow. Earl was an amazing man that was loved, is missed, and will always be remembered. Earl recently said he felt fortunate to have accomplished almost everything on his bucket list, such as becoming a pilot, a competitive marksman, and learning to play the guitar. Of course, he was always dreaming of the ultimate hunt. He first hunted elk in Eastern Oregon, then in Wyoming, and ultimately fell in love with, and returned many times to Alaska to hunt and fish. Earl’s story began August 2, 1936. He was born in Redding and grew up in McCloud with his sisters Carol and Charlene. He graduated from McCloud High School in 1954 and went on to attend Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls. There, he met and married Virginia Parks. They had two daughters, Thea and Nicole. Earl worked as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist for over 50 years at Siskiyou General Hospital and Fairchild Medical Center. In 1975, he married Bonnie Watson, who had sons Daryl Watson and Kenny Watson. Earl and Bonnie created their own “Brady Bunch”. They worked together for years at the hospital and had a Medo-Bel Creamery milk route. They enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping, and tournament golfing. They shared a love of animals, especially dogs. Earl was a lifelong story teller with a warm sense of humor and quick wit. After dinner, he could always be counted on to share a hunting story. He also wrote and illustrated poems and short stories. Backpacking trips into the Marble Mountains always included campfire stories about Crazy Jack and Big Foot. Medicine Lake was another favorite camping spot. No trip was complete without a game of cards or dice (and a small wager). Every Christmas began with a hunt for the perfect tree, which was inevitably at the top of the mountain where the truck was stuck in the snow. Earl was generous and always willing to help others. He traveled to Mexico with the Methodist Church to build houses. He was a member of the Wintu Tribe of California and looked forward to having his own seat at the Karuk Casino. Some important life skills that Earl passed on to his children were: Drive until the truck is stuck, dig it out, and drive some more. Never be afraid to double down, but don’t be greedy, and never hit on a soft 17. Finally, always brush your teeth so you don’t have bear breath. Loved ones who cleared the trail for Earl were his parents Gilbert and Helen Whitlow, and his sisters Carol Barber and Charlene Whitlow. Loved ones who will miss Earl are his wife Bonnie Whitlow, children Thea (Rick) Palmiere, Nicole Whitlow, Daryl Watson (Laura Healy), Kenny Watson, grandchildren Austin Palmiere, Adriana Palmiere, Ronnie Watson, Scoute Crist, and dogs Bert and Hazel. And so the story goes on until we see Earl again. We love and miss you. Earl requested no memorial service. Remembrances may be sent to Madrone Hospice or Rescue Ranch, Inc.

Earl Lanfer Whitlow

August 2, 1936 - June 22, 2017