In Loving Memory
With great love and sadness, we announce the passing of our husband, father, brother and friend, Gordon Kay Whiting, age 72, who passed away surrounded by his family in Phoenix, Arizona on March 12, 2025.Gordon was born on September 9, 1952, in Kanab, Utah to Arthur Milton “Mickey” Whiting and Lorana Randall. He was the second of four children; brothers, Bruce and Barry Whiting, sister, Janis Hall and later a foster brother, Henry Redhouse. Although he was born across the state line in Utah, his family lived in Fredonia, Arizona and he was a proud lifetime Arizonan.
Gordon spent his childhood in Fredonia and the forests of Flagstaff, Arizona. He loved the outdoors and had an adventurous spirit that got him into mischief regularly. At age 15, his family moved to Phoenix, and it was here that he excelled in sports, especially football and basketball, earning the nickname “the pink cheeked rascal”. He also met and fell in love with his forever companion, Nannette Dupont. They dated throughout high school and married on May 18, 1974. They had three children, Jacob, Shannon and Clinton.
Gordon had a love for the western lifestyle. He and Nannette raised their three children on a cattle ranch in Klondyke, Arizona. Family was everything to them and they instilled in their children a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. Gordon found joy when he was horseback, riding the high deserts of Arizona or sitting around a campfire with family and friends. He loved to hunt and hike and believed there was nothing better than a beautiful Arizona sunrise or sunset.
Gordon pursued many other adventures and achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his life. He graduated from ASU in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. He was the “Top Overall Cadet” at the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) in 1986 and served as a reserve law enforcement officer for nearly 30 years. He was appointed to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, where he served for a five-year term from 1987-1992. He was known for his great integrity and honesty and was described as “even-tempered and fair minded” by the public. Gordon worked for the family business, Kaibab Industries, where he served as President until his passing. Those who worked alongside him, valued his humor, easy going way and wise counsel. The Sawmill Crossings Theater complex in Payson, Arizona is an example of the vision Gordon had for his family roots and legacy to be remembered. He could often be found walking the property and visiting the tenants, always joking and teasing in his charismatic way.
Gordon leaves behind a legacy cherished by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. As he would say, “Vaya con Dios, Amigo”. He is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Milton “Mickey” Whiting and mother, Lorana Randall Whiting. He is survived by his loving wife, Nannette Katherine (Dupont) Whiting of Flagstaff, Arizona; two sons, Jacob Whiting (Danielle) of Newcastle, Australia, Clinton Whiting (Kellie) of Flagstaff, Arizona; daughter, Shannon Rhoton (Shane) of Fairbanks, Alaska; three brothers, Bruce Whiting (Gail) of Athens, Georgia, Barry Whiting (Robyn) of Mesa, Arizona, and Henry Redhouse (Lisa) of Mesa, Arizona; one sister, Janis Hall (Gordon) of Tempe, Arizona; and 12 grandchildren, Amber Whiting, Jonathan Whiting, Moriah Whiting, Nathanael Whiting, Elisabeth Whiting, Tanner Rhoton, Bria Rhoton, Lila Rhoton, Sage Rhoton, Abbie Whiting, Jack Whiting and Lucie Whiting.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley Ryan House and Holdfast Recovery, as well as everyone who has extended their kind and loving words and prayers on our behalf.
Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
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