Wyman “Bud” Whitney, 61, of Fresno, California, passed away on November 13, 2020, after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Bud was born in Pierre, SD, to Wyman and Claire Whitney. On the Dakota plains and banks of the Missouri River, Bud’s father taught him how to hunt, fish, and enjoy nature. It was there, Bud learned the importance of family and friends. Bud’s joy of life was nurtured by countless memories of holiday gatherings and reunions with aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was blessed to have a group of amazing friends from high school. Bud, affectionately dubbed “Eli”, was overcome with emotion by the outpouring of support from his 1977 classmates.

In college, Bud met the love of his life, Carol Boyum. They were married in 1983 and spent the next 37 years building a wonderful life together.  Parenthood proved to be Bud’s greatest  source of joy. He was an amazing father to his two wonderful sons, Allen and William.

In 1984, Bud started his career with a freight company now known as XPO Logistics. Throughout his 36 years with the company, Bud forged friendships in Rapid City, Cheyenne, Denver, Los Angeles, and Fresno. It was difficult for Bud to retire and leave his “work family” in September. 

Bud’s personality was truly larger than life. He was an animated story-teller and laughter was always a part of every get-together. He was a life-long Minnesota Vikings fan and would take long walks on Sundays listening to the games on the radio. He had a vast knowledge of music and could burst into song at any moment. He enjoyed art, traveling, trivia, and nightly Jeopardy competitions. He appreciated good food and drink. At the end of a long work day, Bud longed to head where “the mountains were blue!”

Bud was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Carol Whitney , sons Allen Whitney and William Whitney (Fresno, CA), his sisters Peggy Newville, (Ventura, CA) and Hattie Edman (Sioux Falls, SD), and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends whom he loved and adored. We are planning to honor Bud with a memorial bench along one of his favorite dog-walking paths. He loved taking our new puppy, Pippa, along this route. A digital slideshow to celebrate Bud’s life will be compiled and shared at a later date.

https://www.caringbridge.org/public/wymanwhitney