Courtland Whittier

ATHOL - Courtland Whittier, 82, of 739 Daniel Shays Hwy, Athol, died Sunday, January 15, 2017 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, Athol. He was born in New Salem, on December 20, 1934, the son of P. Merrill and Eleanor (Burnham) Whittier. He grew up in New Salem and graduated from the New Salem Academy in 1953. Mr. Whittier worked at Spooner Brothers Plumbing, Union Twist Drill, and the L.S. Starrett Co. before working at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst for 27 years. Retiring in1995. Courtland was very active in the New Salem Fire Department and served as Fire Chief for several years. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening and collecting, buying and selling antiques. He leaves his wife of 31 years, Carol J. (Flagg) Marden-Whittier; two sons Bruce Whittier and his wife Anne Clukay-Whittier of New Salem, Robert Whittier and his wife Cindy of Orange; three daughters, Deborah Blair and her husband Steven Blair, Sr. of Baldwinville, Brenda Pomainville and her long time companion Brian McCormick of Athol, Dawna Turner and her husband Tom of Athol; two step-sons Christopher Marden and his wife Aimee of Wendell, James Marden and his wife Brenda of Clinton; two step-daughters Lisa Marden of Petersham and Brenda Marden of Athol; 13 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Brian Whittier and by his brother, Ronald Whittier. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Higgins O'Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol. Burial will be private at a later date. Calling hours will be held Saturday from 9-11 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a memorial contribution be made in his memory to the New Salem Fire Department, 33 South Main St., New Salem, MA 01355 or The Better Tomorrow Shelter for Cats, 212 Central St., Winchendon, MA 01475. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Higgins-O'Connor Funeral Home 146 Main St., Athol is directing arrangements.