Wayne Austin Whitby

Wayne Austin Whitby, 83, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2020 in Nutrioso. He was born January 15, 1937 in Goshen, New York, the son of Leo Francis Whitby and Hilda Stevens Whitby.

Wayne was a loving husband and father and was a dedicated educator and coach. He served his country in the United States Naval Reserves from 1955-1963. Wayne held a Master’s of Education Degree from San Diego State University and while attending SDSU he played on the football team. Wayne taught for 34 years, the majority of which was at Bonita Vista High School in Chula Vista, California. He also coached football and served many years as the head coach. He later coached the offensive line at Grossmont College in La Mesa, California. Committed to fitness, Wayne became an avid runner. For 25 years he trained faithfully and participated in many long-distance runs including marathons. Through his passion for teaching, and sports and the example he set, Wayne was a great friend and an inspiration to many people.

Wayne was a cowboy at heart, loved his horses and often said that he was born 100 years too late. Leading up to retirement he spent many summers working as a wrangler at Sprucedale Guest Ranch where he loved to take guests on trail rides through the beautiful White Mountains of Arizona. Upon retirement in the fall of 1994, Wayne and Marylou moved to Nutrioso and until 2007 continued to work summers at Sprucedale.

Wayne never met a stranger, kept in touch with friends throughout his life and touched the hearts of many people all over the world.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Marylou Whitby, Nutrioso; son, Michael Bennett (Laura L.) Whitby, Hayden, Idaho; daughter, Laura (Nico) Whitby-Pavan, Tampa, Florida; grandchildren, Shaun, Andrew, Stephanie, Ryan, Dino, Austin, Branson, great grandchildren, William, Ava, Siena and Poppy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harold Whitby.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.