Editor’s Note: Recently, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Michael Zimmerman sent the following note to the campus community about the death of David Whitener. Last week Indian Country Today also honored David in an article.

Friends,

It is with sadness that I share with you the recent passing of David Whitener, Sr.  David was a member of the faculty at Evergreen for 18 years, ending with his retirement and the conferring of Faculty Emeritus status in 1996.

Upon his retirement, David was described as a “mainstay” in the Native American Studies program dedicated to teaching methods that best support Native American learners.  David was also a catalyst for the Longhouse House of Welcome and is considered one of its pillars.

David was a member of the Squaxin Island Tribe and served on the Tribal council in many capacities, including as chairman and vice chairman, for many years.

I extend my deepest condolences to David’s wife, Barbara; children, David Jr., Mitzie, Annie-Beth and Connie; along with the rest of his family, friends and colleagues.  Details about ways to more formally remember David will be forthcoming as they are available.

Michael Zimmerman
Vice President for Academic Affairs

Readers: Do you have fond memories of David?  Share your thoughts by commenting.