George Whitney Obituary

George Murray Whitney, 90 of New Meadows, ID and Yuma, AZ passed away on January 11, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona after a short illness. He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on January 27, 1935 to Wayne and Elsie Murray Whitney. He was raised in the Lake Fork, Idaho area where his father raised seed potatoes. He went to school in the Whitney schoolhouse where his mother was a teacher. To this day the schoolhouse, now named Whitney Fairbrother was moved and now sits in Roseberry, Idaho. When Dad was 7, he moved with his family to the Meadows Valley where he met Thelma and they were married on December 19, 1954. He continued to ranch and work for the school district until he retired in 1994. Together they raised their four children on the ranch.

During these years the folks were both instrumental in forming the first EMT program in New Meadows. He went on to become an advanced EMT and if you knew Dad, you knew that in his car he packed half of the emergency supplies you would find in an ambulance and always has to this day. Our parents played lots of cards with good friends and if there was music anywhere close you would find them there on the dance floor. They belonged to dance club in McCall for years, it was their biggest enjoyment. He was still dancing at least four or more times a week until days before he passed.

Dad was also known in his circle of friends for leading the pack through the Arizona desert in his bright yellow "BUG" which in recent years he reluctantly traded off to ride in the new found comfort of a RZR. His friends labeled him "General George" a hat which he wore well. He prided himself on sharing the sites such as a specific cactus, wildlife or landmarks without the need of a map.

George is survived by his children, Gary (Linda) Whitney, Diana Gustafson, Kenny (Carol) Whitney and David (Janice) Whitney. His grandchildren, Eddy Whitney, April Fraguadas, Joe Whitney, Ashley Whitney, Shaun Whitney, Beau Whitney and numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by a great number of friends and his sweetheart, Tess Sanphey-Dempsey. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Dorothy Gestrin, wife Thelma and grandson, Cory Whitney.

Dad did not want to have a memorial so in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org OR the Medows Valley Cemetery District in New Meadows, Idaho: 3726 Cemetery Road, New Meadows, ID 83654.