Shawn A. Whiting

May 1st, 1957 – June 6, 2013

Shawn Aaron Whiting left us on a wave of love, surrounded by his family at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital in the early morning hours of Thursday, June 6, 2013. Shawn was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer on January 4, 2013. He endured this disease with grace and goodness and continued to the very last day to fight with all the strength his weary body could summon. Shawn was born, May 1st, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan. His parents, Vincent and Jacqueline Whiting lived in Livonia. Shawn’s family lived on Berwick in Livonia for most of his young years. He and his older brother, Kraig had many neighborhood friends and both attended Jackson Elementary School. Shawn graduated from Stevenson High School in 1975. After high school graduation Shawn was accepted at the University of Michigan. He completed his undergraduate degree with major studies in Statistics and Chemistry. Shawn applied and was accepted to the U of M Dental School where he graduated in 1983. It was in Dental School that he became fascinated with Dr. G. V. Black, “ Father of Modern Dentistry”. On many occasions, Shawn assumed Dr. G.V. Black as his “alter ego” which over the years provided us with many laughs and fun stories. A collection of G.V. Black’s textbooks written in the 1920s was one of Shawn’s prize E-Bay purchases! After dental school, Shawn started out his dental career in private practice and continued to move in and out of the dental world throughout his working years. At times he relied on his great skills as a carpenter, painter, and general “fixer- upper of all things” to round out his resume as a “Jack of all Trades”. He held a position as an instructor at the Hygiene School at Oakland Community College for a time and most recently worked as a pediatric dentist for Small Smiles of Toledo, where he completely enjoyed the work and the wonderful staff he came to love.

Shawn was a man of varied interests and talents. One great ambition he was able to realize was to buy and restore an old home. He completely renovated an 1878 farmhouse, restoring it to its’ original look and style. He and his wife, Donna of 14 years, live in this lovely home that bears Shawn’s signature personality that he left in every room.

No detail was too small or large for him to labor over, inside or out, until he felt the consistency and continuity of the house was not compromised. He planted all the trees in the barren yard creating over time, in his nephew’s words, “an urban oasis” green and beautiful with many garden views both small and large for the eyes to take in and enjoy.

Another of his interests was music. Taking drum lessons as a young boy, playing in neighborhood garage bands, and in the High School concert band, Shawn developed his drumming skills and later started and played in a band called “Wherez my Limo?”followed by another called “Tri County Blues”. He had great fun learning new songs and being able to express this creative part of his personality. At age 52, he stepped out even further and became a singer-entertainer to the surprise and delight of all his family and friends!

Shawn is survived by his wife, Donna, his two loveable doggies, Claire, a chocolate lab and Gracie , a shitzsu, his mother Jacqueline Tulloss Whiting of Livonia, Michigan ; brother Kraig Whiting and sister- in – law Mary Whiting of Angola, Indiana; his nephew Ian Mirk-Whiting of Chicago Illinois and his nieces Rebecca Whiting of Chicago, Illinois and Jessica Drager - Whiting and her husband Jay Drager of San Francisco , California; and finally Shawn’s precious, 10 month old, great- niece Ashley Grace Drager also of San Francisco, who made two very special trips to Michigan to be held in the strong, but tender arms of her Uncle Shawn. this winter. Those visits were a delight and lifted Shawn’s spirits immensely.

Shawn was a simple man of great generosity and kindness. He was always willing to help someone in need. He was a true friend to many and a wonderful husband. His quick wit and clever mind always filled the room with laughter. Shawn was a gentle quiet soul, who did not know how to be superficial or phony. He was mostly shy and did not like to be the center of attention. He believed in taking what was abandoned by others and turning it into something worthwhile and often beautiful.

His laughter and good humor will be greatly missed by his family and his countless friends. His insight and helpfulness will never be replaced, but his example of grace and great courage facing pain and death will always stand as a lesson to all. A great and beautiful light has left our world. We can rejoice that Shawn’s race is finished, his struggle is past and he is resting in the arms of our Lord, safe and secure, free from all the sickness that limited him physically and caused such senseless pain. His suffering is forevermore finished and will be no more. For that we give thanks.

Memorial donations may be made to Friends of Michigan Animal Rescue @ 51299 Arkona, Belleville, MI 48111 or to Fellowship Presbyterian Church @ 16360 Hubbard Road, Livonia, MI 48154. Envelopes for making donations will be available at the funeral home.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, June 14th from 2-9pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road in Livonia, MI. 48152 . The Funeral Service will be on Saturday, June 15th @ 11:00am at the same location.Shawn’s family wishes to thank the Dr. Hermesh Naik and the staff of the Hope Cancer Center at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital as well as the nursing staff at the hospital who served Shawn so well during his illness. Great thanks must also go to all those how have offered prayers of love and faith on behalf of Shawn and the family. Your support and kindness has given us strength for these difficult days. We are very grateful.