Whitney Buck: 1930-2023

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Whitney Buck

With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Whitney Buck on May 13^th, 2023. Whitney Wood Buck, Junior, was born on August 16, 1930 (Saturday’s child), in Detroit, Michigan, of Whitney Buck, Senior, and Mildred Mattsson. He attended public schools and Denison University in Ohio. In 1952, he was commissioned a line officer in the Navy and served in the Navy with the Marine Corps during the Korean War. After his military service he attended graduate school at the University of Michigan earning a doctorate degree. He taught English literature at Michigan, Wayne State University in Detroit, and at Humboldt State University in California. He was appointed Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Humboldt State University and retired in 1993.

An avid runner, he was a member of the Six Rivers Running Club and participated in numerous local races. He was a founding member of the board of the Morris Graves Museum of Art. He loved music, learning to play both the piano and cello later in life. He enjoyed traveling and took great pleasure in cooking for others.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Miriam, and is survived by his loving wife, Jean Santi, his sister Barbara Wolf (Phillip Wolf), and his beloved children: Jesse Buck (Mimi Nadya Buck), Jason Buck (Teri Buck), and Emily Armstrong Buck. He has five grandchildren: Ted, Perry, Alaina, Josh and Gabe Buck.

His family would like to thank Doctors Purtell and Abdali, Case Manager Julie, and Nurse Brieanne of St. Joseph Hospital. The Staff of Hospice of Humboldt and Timber Ridge for their care.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Whitney’s life at his home on June 11^th from 4 to 6 PM. In lieu of flowers please donate to a worthy cause.

“Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.” Emily Dickinson.