Phillip Averett Whitney

Phillip A. Whitney, 72, passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. Phil was born in Spanish Fork on January 22, 1937, to Ray and Dona Whitney. He graduated from Springville High School in1955 and later married Helen Parry of Mapleton in the Manti LDS temple on December 17, 1958. She preceded him in death April 19, 2002.



He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Phil had a strong testimony and served diligently in various positions. Phil had a tremendous work ethic and put his best into every task he undertook. In his youth he was a partner with his father at Ray Whitney & Son Construction Co. They completed several large construction projects throughout the state including bridges, roads, and overpasses. With his expertise with heavy equipment he joined the Utah National Guard with the 116th Corps of Engineers in 1961 and served until he retired in 1985 from the 1457th Engineer Battalion as a Master Sergeant. In 1977, he joined the Springville Fire Department as a volunteer fireman, and after much dedication and training, he became Springville's first full-time Fire Chief in 1985. Additionally, in 1997 he was placed in charge of the Springville Ambulance. He served passionately in this capacity until his death. Under his leadership the Springville Fire Department became a modernly equipped team of professionals. Phil played a pivotal role in the completion of two new fire stations in Springville. He received numerous awards and recognitions including National Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year. He was appointed by Governor Leavitt to the Utah Fire Prevention Board in 1997. And in 2008 he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Intermountain Utah Valley Emergency Services. But his proudest accomplishment was to provide the training and skills necessary to ensure the men and women he worked with remained safe. In over 24 years as Fire Chief and thousands of fires and emergency responses, the men and women of the Springville Fire Department and Ambulance crew were always able to effectively fulfill their duties and then return safely to their homes and families. Phil Whitney lived a life of service to God, to his family, to his country and to his community. Those of us who knew him are better because we knew him.



Phil was also preceded in death by his brother, Gordon. He is survived by his children, P. Bryce Whitney of St George, UT, Cheryl Hurley of New Brunswick, NJ, Brent R. Whitney of St George, UT, Christy Whitney of Portland, OR, and Chari Whitney Erickson of Springville, UT, and his sisters, Linda Brown of Springville, UT, Lorna Gordon of Lake Shore, UT, and Janet Whitney of Springville, UT. He also had 10 grandchildren.



Funeral services will be Monday, November 2, 2009 at 11:00a.m. at the Spring Creek North Stake Center at 760 N. 400 E. in Springville, Utah. A public viewing will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2009, from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at the Springville Fire Department at 75 W. Center St., Springville, Utah. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Springville Fire Department Statue Fund in memory of Chief Whitney, 75 W. Center St., Springville, Utah 84663.