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 Alan E. Whitaker
January 23, 2002
Alan E. Whitaker, 59, of 25 Elm St. died Wednesday evening at home.
Born in Pittsfield on Oct. 17, 1942, son of Roy C. and Marie Dodge Whitaker, he attended Dalton schools.
Mr. Whitaker was employed as a heavy equipment engineer for Operating Engineers Local 98, which dispatched him to various companies in the region, for 32 years, retiring in April 2000 because of failing health.
He was the first in the Berkshire area to use a powered parachute, which he flew at many area locations, including the Festival Americana. A member of the Berkshire Mountain Search and Rescue Team, he used the parachute plane for searches. Its propellers also were used as a smoke ejecter by the Pittsfield Fire Department, including at a Crane & Co. warehouse fire in 1991.
He and his wife, the former Barbara Scott, were married Nov. 26, 1966.
Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Edward A. Whitaker of Dalton; a daughter, Rebecca L. Whitaker of Dalton; two sisters, Jean Stanley of Pittsfield and Patty Sawkiw of Gainesville, Fla.; a brother, Roy Whitaker of Pittsfield, and a grandson. Another son, Danny Whitaker, died April 3, 1999.
A remembrance and social gathering will be held later in the summer with family, friends, hot air balloons, and powered parachutes. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, 369 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. BARTLETT-WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 525 Main St., Dalton is in charge of arrangements.
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