Arnold Whitaker

Sunrise October 15, 1914 Sunset June 3, 2011 Early in the morning of June 3, 2011, Arnold saddled up and rode off to join family and friends and to begin his new adventure. Heaven for him will be a good saddle and horse, being surrounded by those that love him, and plenty of space to roam. In this life, Arnold was born in Willard, UT on October 15, 1914. He was the second child and son of Lewis Eugene and Emma Charlotte Cole Whitaker from Promontory, UT. He joined his parents and older brother in building a ranch that is one hundred years old this year. Growing up as a son of Lew and Lottie, he gained a marvelous sense of humor, an appreciation for laughter and fun and to love his siblings and later his children unconditionally. Arnold grew up in the wilds of Promontory Summit and there developed his love of horses, riding, and taking care of the land. As a small boy he chased wild horses, went hunting with his grandfather, and diligently helped his mother and father with the daily chores on their ranch. He attended school at the one room school house at Promontory Station. Occasionally he would crawl out the schoolhouse window, run to the train and hitch a ride to Rosel. Riding on the engineer’s lap was a much more rewarding lesson than any book could impart. As he grew, he helped to tend sheep, raise and harvest wheat, load wheat sacks onto the train, and work with many types of livestock. He attended and graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City, UT in 1933. He married Roma Tubbs on June 5, 1936. Together they ran the ranch while he worked for Box Elder County as an agricultural program representative. Later, he also worked for the Browning family at the Bar B Ranch as a cowboy and purveyor. Days spent working with cattle were some of his most rewarding. In 1952, he bought land from the Brownings and expanded the ranch. He was an original member of the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Posse and helped to build the first fair and rodeo grounds in Tremonton, Utah. He was a very skilled horseback rider and roper. He took pride in the riding drills the posse performed in the 194s and 50s. In 1956, he accepted a job with the USDA as a district director for the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. He and his wife packed up their three daughters and moved to Spokane, WA. He always said it was a good opportunity for a kid from Promontory. He was always energetic, willing to work until the job was done, and open to learning new information about agriculture. After retirement in 1975, he and his wife returned to Tremonton, UT to continue running the ranch. He spent many happy hours riding horseback or later, on a four-wheeler and in a gator to check on the fences and land. His daughters, grandson, and son-in-law will never forget the hair-raising rides alongside him as he sped along the trails and through the rocky ledges of his beloved King’s Pass. Previous to her death in 1988, Arnold and Roma enjoyed traveling around the west, wintering in St George, and spending time in their homes in Spokane and Tremonton. He married Dorothy Nicholas Holland in January, 1991. Before her death in 2004, he enjoyed going for car rides with her and seeing the King Ranch in Texas. One of his fondest memories was going with her and two daughters to the Pendleton Roundup in Pendleton OR in 2000. Arnold was predeceased by his parents, two brothers; Ed and Jarvis, two sisters; Charlene Deem Rees and Norma Larsen, and by sister-in-laws; Lily, Colleen, and Arloa Whitaker and brother in laws; Jarvis Nelson, Justin Deem, John Rees and Harold Larsen. He is survived by three daughters; Laraine Delbridge, Valoy (Greg) Warburton and Gloria Whitaker, grandson, Craig M Delbridge and great granddaughter Carly Delbridge. He is also survived by the children and grandchildren of Dorothy Holland Whitaker. Three siblings, Maxine Nelson, Darwin Whitaker and LaVar Whitaker; Sister-in-law Florence Whitaker and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was liked by many and considered everyone he met as a friend. He will be missed by all that knew him. The family would like to acknowledge Anne Burbank, RN, his niece, Lola Benstog, and the staff of Peregrine and Advocate Hospice who made his last days comfortable and positive. We would also thank them for their wonderful support of his daughters and grandson. The family asks of those who knew him to remember a joke, incident, or conversation with Arnold and to sense the joy he always tried to impart. We are all richer for knowing him during his long life. A Celebration of Life for Arnold is planned for a later date at his ranch in Promontory, UT. Details will be forthcoming. All those that knew him and would like to share in his fondest wish to have people enjoy the ranch are invited.