Ed Whitten peacefully passed at the age of 86 with his family at his side on May 28, 2023. Ed was one of six children and grew up Sonoma, Calif. He served two years in the United States Army before going to work for the California Department of Forestry for over 30 years. His favorite part of his job was flying in the helicopter. He had been retired for 26 years, spending time with family, hunting, gardening and helping anyone in need.

Ed met the love of his life, Jackie Andersen, and married on June 15, 1970, settling in Fortuna for 53 years. He had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ed will be greatly missed. He leaves a legacy that will continue to live in the hearts of many. His leadership style, kindness and good humor gained the admiration and respect of many of the men he led.

He and his wife attended the Presbyterian Church in Fortuna for the last several years, where he looked forward to eating his wife’s good cooking and the cooking of other members of the church at their weekly Sunday potlucks. Ed and Jackie were very faithful and devoted many hours at keeping the grounds of the church very neat and beautiful.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents Bert and Frankie, his daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Ken Noel, brothers, Bob, Henry and Charles Whitten. He is survived by his wife Jackie Whitten, wife of 53 years, brother James Whitten, sister, Carole Jackson, daughter, Sheri (Don) Jewett, son, Randy (Kendra) Andersen, grandchildren, Krista Viggers (Ryan McKenzie), Chad Viggers, Melissa Demello, Steffanee Andersen (Brett), great-grandchildren, Asa, Layla and Shawnessy Mckenzie.

To a live well lived. We love you so much, Ed. Celebration of Life: Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Fortuna Fire Hall, 320 South Fortuna Blvd.

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