Donald Ray Whitney

Donald Ray Whitney of Barrington, IL passed away suddenly on December 28, at the age of 74. Don was born on December 12, 1948, in Waukegan, to Ray and Marian (nee Bradley) Whitney, and was raised in Libertyville where he attended elementary, middle, and high school.

On August 22, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Mary Nielsen. Don graduated from Northern Illinois University (NIU) with a degree in electrical engineering but a college job as the dispatcher for the NIU campus police engaged his passion for public safety communication. Don joined Motorola eventually leading to Association Relationship Management until retirement. His work engaged him in national associations such as the Public-Safety Communications Officials where he served on the executive council, chaired the Commercial Advisory Council and received the prestigious Jack Daniel Award of Distinction. Don was a passionate amateur radio operator (K9DRW) serving with the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service that coordinated with the Lake County Emergency Service Agency. Until his death he provided radio training for Lake County located police and fire personnel. In recognition of his lifelong service to public safety communication initiatives, he was appointed a Fellow of the Radio Club of America in 2021.

He is survived by his wife, Sue, his sister Sheila (Robert) Furjanic, brothers-in-law Ernest (Carol) Nielsen and Gregory (Laurie) Nielsen. His survivors also include two nieces, three nephews, and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Donald's name to a charity of your choice.

Visitation will be 3-7 pm, central standard time, Wednesday January 4 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St (Lake Cook Road) Barrington. The funeral service will be held Thursday, January 5 at 4 pm at Salem Methodist Church, Barrington; a recording of the past service is avaliable here : https://www.dropbox.com/s/09p69rn59ox4lmn/Don%20Whitney%27s%20Memorial%20Service%201.5.23.mp4?dl=0

A celebration of life dinner will be held at Avante 1050 Northwest Hwy, Fox River Grove, IL 60021 immediately following the service.