Charles L. Whitecraft

"Dear Mary Jo and Whitecraft family, I was saddened to see Lee’s obituary in the paper on Sunday. We always keep an eye out in Munds Park to see if the Whitecrafts are up, we will miss seeing you both. I remember when I was a kid, Leroy would stop by our house (Elbert and Jackie Russell’s) on Saturday mornings after his tennis games to say hello... Several times he caught Mom and I in the middle of a haircut for me (and an argument because Mom couldn’t cut straight!) Sometimes he was the judge if it looked presentable! I looked forward to tailgates at ASU games and Rotary Dixieland Parties to visit with my dad’s friends. You were both an influence on me in my choice of career as an educator :-) I know that my Dad and Lee and all their other "old" friends and family are living it up in heaven (where, I believe, there is no pain, suffering, or old age!) They are watching over all of us until we get to join them. Rejoice!"

"Dear Mary Jo and Family: We were so sad to hear that Lee passed. We immediatly began speaking of all the fun we have had together. Our wonderful cruise, and how Lee and I went snorkeling together ,and you and Arvid when to the Pyramids. Of course, the summer you opened your home in Munds Park, we stayed with you when we were building our cabin in Flagstaff. The cold New Year Eve parties in Munds Park. Of course all of the rotary functions. You have been great friends. May God keep you in his comfort. We love you. Arvid and Carolyn Johnson"

"Our Thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary Jo, Richard and the entire family. We were sadened to hear of Lee’s passing. He will certainly be missed by us and all his many dear friends. I recall with fond memories the fun golf games with Lee, Herb Boetto and myself--great friends and great times. Pete & Jaanet Pisciotta"

"Dear loved ones of Lee Whitecraft, I came to the teaching staff at Longview Elementary in the fall of 1969as a newly graduated teacher from ASU. The first time I met Mr. Whitecraft was in the lobby of the District office. He wassitting at the secretary’s desk with his feet up, He said to me "You’re hired". I replied that I had already been hired by Mr. Larry Reed the principal of Longview School.Lee threw his head back and laughed as did the two secretaries who were seated there. The fact that he would allow a new teacher to find their own way and develop their own style was a gift to me. I will always be grateful to Lee for his acceptance and wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. Please accept my condolences on your loss."

"Dear Whitecraft family-- knowing and enjoying Lee for these many years has been a wonderful part of our lives-- We have had some fun experiences together! Elbert always came home from the camping/hunting with the guys with more laughs (pictures of Lee in Mary Jo’s pantiehose-- to keep warm) and tales of the Mormon Lake Lodge adventures, and many more fun times with "the boys" when our sons used to get to go --Lee and his "solonoid" joke. How many laughs did he get from that one! You have been dear, dear friends and whatever I can do for you, I will be happy to help you. I guess the best way is to contact me at this e-mail address. I live at the Montecito in Peoria, but am aiming to get closer to home base in Phoenix. Mary Jo, thank you for including us in Pizza night so that we could get a chance to visit with you. God bless you as you go through this difficult time! With our love---Jackie Russell ,Jim & Carolyn Russell,.John Russell, and Kathy & Darren Scott"

"Dear Family: I was deeply saddened to read about Lee’s death. I was a student of his at Clarendon. I have wonderful memories of him, as well as the team of teachers.we had..Glenn Barlow, Bill Hammontree, Harvey Stern, Mabel Blue....School was a joy because of these wonderful teachers. Luckily, I had the opportunity to see him at the Encanto / Clarendon reunion a few years ago. I’ll never forget one of the most important lessons of life he taught me, and I can remember his telling the story as if it were yesterday: I told us a story about when he was in high school. He was riding with a group of students that were driving too fast. As I recall, he was embarrased to ask the driver to slow down...there was an accident....As you can imagine, the lesson here was never forgotten. When Lee was Superintendent, my sister and I visited him, and I reminded him of the story...this little lesson has shaped my life. I will never forget his dedication and love for his students and the teaching profession. If its not private, I would appreciate information of the celebration of his life...as I would like to pay honor to a wonderful human being. Sincerely, Martha Parker Rockwell Class of ’55--Clarendon School"

"Mr. Whitecraft was my eighth grade teacher in 1956-57 at Clarendon School. He was also my football coach for the class "C" team. I have such fond memories of four years at Clarendon and especially that eighth grade year and all the fun we had going on the field trips. He was really a great teacher and I have never forgotten him. I went on to graduate from ASU and taught school for 30 years. I was happy to visit him later in 1970 when he was the superintendent of Osborn School District and he was proud that one of his former students became a teacher. I know that he made the world a better place and affected the lives of many people. The Whitecraft family have my deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Ted Pohle"

"To the Whitecraft Family, I was so very sorry to read of Mr. Whitecraft’s passing. I will always remember the fun times we shared in the old neighborhood and then getting reacquainted with with both Lee and MaryJo at the Rotary’s Dixieland parties when our Father’s were both member’s. I will always remember him with his big smile and can still hear his voice calling hello when we would run into each other at the grocery store. MaryJo, Candis, Camille and Rich, hold tight to the memories you shared as a family. May they bring you comfort as you grieve the loss of such a kind and wonderful man."

"’Leroy,’ as my late father Elbert Russell liked to call him...was a character ’larger than life.’ I always loved when I would get to see him. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word to say, along with some funny rebuttal or rebuke to what ever the conversation was at the moment. I’ll never forget the memories of my Dad taking me along on many hunting trips with Leroy and the Boys when I was just old enough to tag along. Lee, it seemed, knew ’someone,’.. everywhere they went! I remember specifically, one time we were on our way up to a deer hunt near Mormon Lake and along the way, Lee insisted that my Dad stop the truck at a cattle Rancher’s house near the Interstate 17 / McGuireville exit. "Elbert!."..He says to my dad..."You just have to swing by for just one drink with this guy," ..."You just gotta meet this guy"..."He is the original Marlboro Man!" "This place and this guy, it’s like a step back in time!"... We did stop there for a visit and we enjoyed a wonderful few minutes, sittin’ on the porch of a secluded ranch house, listening to Lee carry on with this weathered old cattle rancher...probably about one of his many adventures...Lee was so expressive in his story telling. For me, he added to the mystic that a young kid, coming up in the world, wanted to see, feel and learn. As a young man, at times, I thought to myself, he must know everyone! Because, without fail, he was always visiting and laughing with somebody, everywhere we went. Looking back now as a man, I guess for Lee, he was just busy living life and loving it! My Father always loved the ’pop in’ visits at the drycleaning plant on 3rd street, when Lee would swing by and break up the monotony of the work day. They’d sit in that office and laugh out loud, like only true friends can do. I’ll always cherish the experiences that I was blessed enough to be a part of with Lee, together with the rest of that ’hunting bunch’ in the 1970’s. I truly believe, together, they all helped to shape this young lad, into a man. I can say with certainty that my life is better for having known Leroy. I know my dad loved him like a brother and I’d like to believe that old Elbert was there to help welcome himup on that big ranchers porch in heaven. And, together now, they might just be raisin’ a little bit ’o hell :-) Mary Jo, Rich, Camille and Candice...My heart goes out to you. I can only express my families loving prayers and deep condolences, I understand the deep sense of loss you must all be feeling. Leroy was ’larger than life’ and in his passing, I’m sure will leave an empty space in your heart that only time can replace with the loving memories of a man you all cared for and loved so much. Thanks for sharing Lee with us over all those years. Arizona has lost another Son and Father, and in my opinion, the kind of man that helped make this ’State’ such a great place to live. With much love and fond memories... James ’Jimbo’ Russell & Family"

"As a scared transplant from Minnesota in the middle of my 8th grade year, I was so fortunate to be put in Mr. Whitecrafts room. He helped me personally at my seat and modeled what a gifted teacher did. Its been well over 60 years but I still have clear memories-including actally doing class cheers for our favorite teacher. One of the key reasons I enjoyed a great 35 years as a classroom High School teacher had much to do with those early impressions- in the sad midst of losing this fine man- please know his life counted- I’m convinced you will hear many similar stories. It still echo’s in my brain- Hoo Rah for Whitecraft-someone in the crowd is yelling Hoo Rah for Whitecraft......1-2-3-4....."

"A happy story for the Whitecraft family from Dick Gray....... In September, Lee and I were paired in a twilight golf event. We both played well and WON first place. The prize, a $15.00 gift certificate to each of us. Lee left and went right home to be with Mary Jo. I stayed at the club and heard the news that we had won. I called Lee with the good news. The very next morning, very early, Lee was at my front door with a smile, to collect his winnings. We will all miss him very much. Love to all , Helen, Mark & Dick Gray"

"We want you to know how influential your dad and the other male teachers at Clarendon School were to the class graduating 1954-56. You were never forgotten and your impact on us stayed forever. We are thinking of you all. Jim Walker"