Lamont Whitaker

Lamont Whitaker was very friendly and full of love for his family. He was strong and determined, quick-witted and eager. His adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors led him along hiking trails and bike paths both remote and close to home. His big heart and lively nature made him a much-loved dad, and his positive attitude made him a friend to all.

Lamont was born August 29, 1962 in Grand Rapids to Lonnie and Marcia (Van Heck) Whitaker. Lamont was the second child of four boys. The boys got along with a healthy dose of competition between them. Sibling rivalry could be intense, but make no mistake, Lamont stood up for his brothers if they needed him.

Lamont was all boy and a natural athlete. He liked playing with GI Joes and little plastic army figures. Early on, his father introduced him to the outdoors, and he immediately took to hunting. Throughout his childhood at Riverside Elementary School, Lamont played Little League baseball as a great left-handed pitcher. He loved playing rugby, and at Creston High School, he wrestled and played hockey. Later in life he took up running and completed the local 25K River Bank Run.

While in high school, Lamont had a paper route, but he considered his first real job the one he had at a Clark service station. He pumped gas, washed windshields and proudly dispensed change from his change belt, back in the day when gas stations were truly “service” stations.

Being industrious was no problem for Lamont. After graduating from high school in 1980, he moved to Texas with a friend to work on an oil rig. The job was right up his alley—strenuous, outdoors and living in a tent. Though he returned to Michigan after that experience, the southwest would figure into his future for years to come.

In Grand Rapids, Lamont attended Junior College, then Arizona State University for a time, and back to Grand Rapids. While staying with friends, he was introduced to a young woman who became his wife in 1990. Lamont and Julie first lived in Grand Rapids but then raised their three children—Christopher, Tyler and Courtney—in nearby Jenison.

Perhaps because he was a kid at heart, Lamont loved interacting with his children, and they always had a lot of fun together. He supported them in whatever they did, from hockey leagues and soccer games to Boy Scouts and family camping. The more rustic the camp site the better, where they could build large campfires and Lamont could go around barefoot. On his outings, he also developed the habit of collecting dirt. He gathered up soil into film canisters and often went to great lengths to get those samples. Just another indication of Lamont’s persistence.

One of Lamont’s favorite activities was going biking with his kids. They went everywhere on bikes—to the 7-11 convenience store or to any busy spot where they could crowd watch. Lamont spent a few summers working at YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin because he loved being around children. He taught sailing and was a wrangler at the stables, but for some reason, rough-tough Lamont didn't like that part.

When not outside, Lamont chose to read books about Vietnam. He was fascinated by the country, especially the jungle. True to that generation, Lamont listened to rock music, but exclusively from one band. If music was playing around Lamont, it was sure to be the Beatles.

Lamont’s career experiences were varied. He worked for Baker furniture for a time, then Rapistan-Dematic for approximately 15 years, and eventually, he earned his degree as a medical assistant. On the side, he was usually fixing things. Lamont had always been mechanically minded, and his determination pushed him to get things fixed at least enough to make them function. Mostly he worked on cars, engines, and of course, children’s bikes. Kids were naturally drawn to Lamont, and they knew that he liked being around them.

Part of Lamont’s appeal to children may have been his unique abilities. He could make all manner of noises with his mouth, he had a language of his own (from the radio code letters he often used), he made up words and he knew how to stretch the truth, or better stated, he told the truth as he perceived it. He wasn’t necessarily outgoing, but if he knew his audience, Lamont could really talk.

In recent years, Lamont moved to Avondale, Arizona to be with Sue Anderson. They loved traveling around the state, taking in the amazing beauty of the mountains and hiking in the great out-of-doors. Sadly, their time together was short. Lamont passed away Sunday, January 19, 2014 at the age of 51.

Lamont will be greatly missed, cherished and remembered by friends and family whom he deeply loved.

Lamont Whitaker, of Avondale, Arizona and formerly of Grand Rapids, Michigan was preceded in death by his mother, Marcia Whitaker. Lamont is survived by his children, Christopher, Tyler and Courtney; his father, Lonnie R. Whitaker; brother and sisters-in-law Lonnie and Liz Whitaker, Russ and Elizabeth Whitaker, Alex Whitaker; significant other Sue Anderson; his former wife of 20 years Julie Pell; as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Friends are invited to visit with his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE on Sunday, February 2 from 4-6 PM followed with a time of public sharing to begin at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Camp Manitou-lin are appreciated. To read more about his life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com