Roger Whitby

Roger Merlin Whitby, 85, of Provo, UT, passed away at his home peacefully in his sleep on October 16,2024. He was born on May 5, 1939, in American Fork, UT as the oldest child of five and only son to Merlin and Faye Whitby.

Roger grew up in the close-knit community of Alpine, UT where he developed a strong work-ethic and sense of family. He spent his childhood herding sheep, milking cows, irrigating and harvesting fruit on the family farm, as well as helping members of his extended family that lived nearby.

Roger attended elementary school at the Red School House in Alpine and later graduated from American Fork High School with honors. He excelled in academics and had a near photographic memory,earning him the nickname “Answer book” from his classmates. He attended Brigham Young University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in physics. He began a master’s degree in Physics, but left when he was offered a fellowship to pursue a law degree at Harvard University.

The summer before he left for Harvard, he was set up on a blind date with the woman who became the love of his life, Sandra Anderson. They dated that summer, corresponded during his first year of law school and were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on June 24, 1966.

Upon graduation, Roger went into private practice at a law firm in Los Angeles for a few years before accepting a position at the Los Angeles County Counsel’s office. He spent the rest of his legal career with the county where he advised the Sheriff’s department as well as the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement System (LACERA). He was greatly admired by his colleagues for his diligence, attention to detail, quick mind and trustworthiness. At his retirement celebration in 2002 he was honored as a“lawyers’ lawyer” of the county after 32 years. He cherished his California connections and maintained those relationships well into retirement.

Roger and Sandy settled into the seaside town of Pacific Palisades, CA but after 10 years decided to relocate back home to Provo, UT in 1979 to raise their family. Roger maintained his career in Los Angeles and commuted weekly between the two cities for over 20 years. Despite the distance, he made every effort to be a present and loving husband and father.

Roger’s heart was always turned toward his family. He was the proud father of four children and 13grandchildren and always provided for his loved ones with care, concern, respect and generosity. He was purposeful in planning family reunions and jumped in during water gun fights with the grand kids.He cherished family time and family relationships and was truly in his element at any family gathering where he could share stories, tell jokes and fill any conversation with his infectious and unique laugh.He had a great love for his ancestors and shared that love with his immediate family and in-laws by telling their stories during family dinners and collecting family heirlooms.

Roger and Sandy shared a love for the arts. They collected art together and enjoyed visiting art museums across the world. After retirement, he reciprocated the devotion that Sandy gave him while working in California by supporting her artistic endeavors as an oil painter. He attended every art show and reception, and helped haul and hang paintings across Utah. He was her biggest fan.

Roger served his country and his God. He served as a member of the Utah national guard and worked insecurity at the nuclear test site near Las Vegas. He loved his country and spent a lifetime learning about its history and founding fathers. He always had a deep respect for those who served in our military. He served a full-time mission in the New England States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 1959 to 1961, and was a faithful member to the end of his life. He served in a variety of callings--his favorite of which was Elders’ Quorum instructor where he had a captive audience for his many jokes and stories. He was a quiet and unassuming minister and home teacher that served with awareness, kindness and generosity.

His greatest loves were his family, the gospel and the Savior.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children: Vance (Laena) Whitby, Ashley (Blake) Stephens, Alyssa(Jon) Chamberlain, and Andrea (Kirk) Blad; his grandchildren: Sydney, Aidan, and Claire Whitby; Emma,Chase, Porter, and Deacon Stephens; Maren and Evelyn Chamberlain; and Elle, Bailey, Russon, and Afton Blad; and his sisters: Charlotte (Duard) Andreasen; Nadine (Art) Johns; Loretta (Kenneth) Stevens; and Barbara (Raymond) Roper.

A celebration of life in honor of Roger will be held at 12 pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the Edgemont 7th ward Chapel, located at 555 East 3230 North, Provo, Utah (or via broadcast: https://youtube.com/live/wJeJ_pmFrjk?feature=share )

 In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Roger’s honor to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Humanitarian Aid Fund.