Barry Raymond Whitaker
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while, leaving footprints on our hearts, and we are forever changed” —Unknown
Barry Raymond “BoBo” Whitaker, age 69, passed away while riding his motorcycle near Cedar City, Utah on Monday, September 12, 2016.
Barry was born on March 19, 1947 in Rupert, Idaho to Mirl William and Ada Bruesch Whitaker. He spent his childhood days working the farm with his family and playing in and around the nearby Snake River. It was here that he first began to enjoy fishing and making willow branch whistles, hunting for birds and arrowheads, and maybe even sailing. (He and his brother Ron once cut down some trees and made a raft to ride down the Snake River. They had to jump ship rather quickly when the twine they used started to break.)
Barry graduated Minico High School in 1965 and began the life of a man of many trades. He was a private in the Army, a rancher in Wyoming, a bronco rider and calf roper in the rodeo. He was a pit boss in the casino and a truck driver. Barry truly lived life to its fullest through simple pleasures like hunting, fishing, camping, sailing, and motorcycle riding with Boozefighters Ch. 87. He was often found entertaining family and friends with his harmonica, guitar, accordion, or his banjo.
Barry was a man who was given many titles; cowboy, mountain man, story teller, teacher, biker, and musician. Most importantly, he was called Son, Brother, Dad and Grandpa, Uncle and Friend.
He is survived by his 5 children Melissa Sandoval (California), Cody Jacob Whitaker (Washington), Brody Teal Whitaker (Washington), Shayla Sage Whitaker (Nevada), and William Chance Whitaker (Utah); 3 grandchildren McKenzie Rapp, Eli Sandoval and Chloe Sandoval; 4 siblings Morris Duane Whitaker (Utah), Deanna Whitaker Cole (Idaho), Claire Whitaker Olson (Oregon), Joyce Whitaker Stroud (Utah); and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 siblings Ronald Mirl Whitaker and Lola Whitaker Olson.
Funeral services will be held Saturday September 24, 2016 in Almo, Idaho. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am and service will be held at 11:30 at the LDS Chapel (834 East 2985 South.) Burial will take place immediately after at Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery.
A special thankyou to the Almo Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for presiding over the funeral services and supporting the Whitaker family at this time.
www.kramerfamilyfuneral.com