Jack Joy Whitney, 89
Jack Joy Whitney died on Sept. 25, 2006, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Jack was born on Oct. 31, 1916, in Ronan, the third of seven children to Ida (Hart) and Ward B. Whitney. He lived in Bigfork for most of his life except for time spent in the Aleutian Islands while serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He graduated from Bigfork High School where he was a star athlete in track and football. Jack received a scholarship to Stanford but chose to stay in his beloved Montana to attend the University of Montana to study art and play football.
Jack married Ursula Durocher on April 22, 1939. He loved to tell the story of the first time he saw Ursula, 'She was running up and down the bleachers and I thought to myself, 'I am going to marry that girl.'' They celebrated their 67th anniversary this year.
Jack was a legend in his own time, widely renowned for his skill and knowledge as wood craftsman, naturalist, bow hunter, conservationist, great outdoorsman, and storyteller. Considered somewhat of an outdoor wizard, many looked to Jack for his expertise of the natural world. He met these numerous inquiries and requests for interviews with a generous and enthusiastic response and his trademark sparkling smile. He always found time to whittle out a whistle from a dogwood branch for the children, identify a bird or plant in the forest for his hiking companions, and skillfully weave a basket to present to a treasured friend.
He left his great legacy of the love for the outdoors through numerous contributions including a founder of the Audubon Society, who honored him with the Conservation Achievements Recognition Award; service as president of the Flathead Wildlife Association; decades of efforts helping establish the Swan River Trail, the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, and the Sprunger-Whitney Nature Trail; as a founding member of Montana Hunting Heritage, which honored him with a lifetime achievement award; and by establishing a conservation easement for 120 acres above the Swan River Nature Trail to ensure that future generations would forever enjoy the natural beauty of the area that he so enjoyed during his lifetime.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, three brothers, and one infant daughter.
He is survived by his wife, Ursula; brother, Wayne Whitney, and wife Helen, of Swan Lake; and 11 nephews and nieces.
Plans for a memorial service to joyfully remember Jack and his remarkable life are pending and will be announced at a later date.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the Audubon Society.
Buffalo Hills Funeral Home is caring for Jack's family.