Mark A. Whitney

Mark Whitney, who at various points in his life managed a swing era band, patiently taught countless children the joy of fishing, married his high school sweetheart and enjoyed a long career as a third-generation IBMer, died on Nov. 29 in Raleigh, NC. He was 68.

Born in Endicott, NY where he lived until he was twelve, Mark graduated from Sanderson High School in Raleigh after his family relocated with IBM. While at Sanderson, Mark played trumpet in the marching band, literally creating footsteps for his son to walk in two decades later. Upon graduating, he proved his smarts by marrying his high school sweetheart, Beth, while they were freshmen at East Carolina University. The soulmates just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October.

During his thirty year career at IBM, Mark worked as an engineer, manager and project manager. An adored and devoted father, his real passions were his family, music, and the outdoors. He was an inventive DIY champion, an enthusiastic cheerleader at his daughter Sara’s horseback riding competitions, and a dedicated little league baseball coach. He was a proud member of the Casablanca Orchestra for over 30 years, playing trumpet and managing much of the business for the band during that time. He was still unofficially promoting the band in his final days.

An avid outdoorsman from a very early age, he loved duck hunting, and it seems he would only participate in the activity during the worst weather imaginable. He had a passion for skiing and traveled on many powder-hunting expeditions in West Virginia, Utah and beyond. He wet a line at every opportunity and was an always-tolerant fishing instructor to any child who showed an interest — especially his own son, Eric, with whom he spent many a weekend scouting secret spots where the journey proved more memorable than the destination.

Despite the impact that Multiple Sclerosis had on his life, Mark never lost his positive disposition and generous spirit. He was always quick to smile and laugh, and touched many lives with his effervescence. His strength was on constant display through his determined positivity and focus on gratitude despite painful symptoms and severe physical limitations.

While Mark didn’t publish any books, he was famous for his endearing book-length speeches that allowed him sufficient time to dote on his family and friends. His warm smile, quick wit and big heart will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mark is survived by his wife, Beth Whitney, who knows their love didn’t come to an end with his death. He also leaves his beloved daughter and snack-buddy Sara, his proud and grateful son Eric and wife Alicia and hug-monster loving grandchildren Clifton and Hazel. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Virginia Whitney and brothers, Stephen and David — we are sure that’s a reunion for the ages.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 pm on December 8, 2021 at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church at 7506 Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh, NC 27615. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please donate to Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church in Mark’s honor if you are moved to do so.