Richard C. Whitbeck

Richard C. Whitbeck, (age 99), passed away in Toledo Ohio on April 14, 2021 after suffering a stroke on March 27th. Richard was born on Jan 30, 1922 to Mary (Sewall) and Harry Spur Whitbeck in Mount Vernon, NY. He grew up in Northampton, MA, where he learned to fly and obtained his pilot’s license at age 19. Richard married fellow pilot and flight instructor Elizabeth (Izzy) Dunn in 1943 in Northampton, MA. Richard trained pilots for the Army Air Corps before serving as a radio operator in the Pacific during World War II. Richard began work as a pilot for Owens-Illinois in October 1950. He and Izzy moved to Waterville where they raised their family. He flew for O-I over 31 years and retired in 1982 having logged 23,700 hours of flight time during his career. Richard and Izzy enjoyed spending up to three months each year in Boca Grande, FL. where they loved to explore Charlotte Harbor on their boat Rockit. Izzy passed away in 2005, and Richard moved to Ohio Living Swan Creek in 2007. One of Richard’s favorite dining companions at Swan Creek was Marion Knauss who became his second wife in 2011. Marion passed away in 2015. Rich was an accomplished artist, earning awards for his oil paintings in many local exhibitions. Boating, jogging, cross-country skiing, winter picnics, operating a ham radio, and travelling were some of his pastimes. He particularly loved hiking and biking the trails of Oak Openings. He took great delight in entertaining friends with his legendary holiday eggnog and hand-churned ice cream. Rich will be remembered for his genial manner, generosity, sense of humor, kind and gentle spirit, and most of all his selfless nature. Rich was a devoted father and husband, and is survived by his two children, Carol Whitbeck of Rochester, NY, and Jon (Sally) Whitbeck of Montague, MI, and granddaughter Phoebe Whitbeck. Rich was extremely grateful to Ohio Living Swan Creek for many happy years. He wished to give special thanks to Laurette Hyde, Linda Miller, Brittany Kluczynski, the entire staff, as well as good friends Richard Smith and Laurie Kornos. In addition, the family would like to thank Ohio Living Hospice for their dedication, caring, and much-needed assistance. Per Richard’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Ohio Living Swan Creek, 5916 Cresthaven Lane, Toledo, OH 43614, the Cherry Street Mission, 1501 Monroe Street, Toledo, OH 43604 or Nature's Nursery, P.O Box 2395, Whitehouse, OH 43571. Per Richard’s request, there will be no services. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Witzler-Shank Walker Funeral Home, Perrysburg (419-874-3133). To share a memory or send a condolence online to the family, please visit www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.