Alvin Whiting

POCATELLO - Alvin Lee Whiting, 82, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. Alvin was born on March 22, 1929, to Lorenzo Snow Whiting Jr. and Pearlina Fannin Whiting in McCammon, Idaho. They were living in Crystal, Idaho, at the time. When he was 2, they moved to Salmon, Idaho, and lived on Kirtley Creek in a home his father and uncles built. His love of the mountains was fostered here. He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 where he spend 4 years as a machinist. Returning home to Salmon, he met his sweetheart, Joan Innes. The two eloped to Pocatello on April 16, 1955. Alvin and Joan both enrolled in programs at Idaho State College where Alvin took welding courses. While going to school, Alvin worked nights at Garrett Freightlines and retired after 35 years. Dad's chosen profession was that of diesel mechanic, but he could fix anything with 2, 4, or 18 wheels. Alvin and Joan were blessed with 4 children. Julie Ann, Jonell, James Lee (deceased) and Michel Len "Mike" Whiting. In 1970 tragedy struck when their son James Lee (11) was hit and killed by a drunk driver. The next year Alvin and Joan and the remaining 3 children were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple. Alvin loved to hunt and fish. He and his brothers all had jeeps and went jeeping often with their families. He could be found with a gun or fishing pole in his jeep and a harmonica in his pocket. He also loved riding motorcycles with his many wonderful friends. Camping and spending time with his family were his all time favorite things to do. He loved spending time with his grandkids and taught them many things, woodworking, making jewelry, and fixing cars. He was a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. A peacemaker and great friend, he was loved by all. Alvin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan Innes Whiting; his children Julie Ann (Duane) Lewis, Jonell (Merlin) Hansen, and Mike (Holly) Whiting; 11 grandchildren, Nathan and Crystal, Kimberlee and Wesley Lewis, Christoffer, Melissa, Danny and Matthew Hansen, Amber and Jason Spillett, Kortney, Kody and Kacy Whiting; 3 great-grandchildren, Cailee, William and Grace Lewis. He is also survived by his one brother, George Albert (Nina) Whiting of St. George, and a sister-in-law LaDell Whiting of Pocatello. He was preceded in death by his parents, son James Lee, and his brothers and sisters and a great-grandson. Thanks to all Dad's friends at Caring Hearts for the love and compassion they extended to him; some called his grandpa. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 1, 2011, at the LDS Cedar Third Ward Chapel on the corner of Cedar and Poole. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4 th Ave., and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will follow at the Norton Cemetery in McCammon. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.Colonial-FuneralHome.com.