Whitney Ballantine

Whitney William Ballantine, 71, of Traverse City, Received his final departure clearance Tuesday, March 31st, 2015, at Munson Hospice House, surrounded by family and friends, as he ascended Towards the heavens, one last time.

Whit was born, and hailed from Wayne, MI, and attended Albion College.

In 1966, Whit enlisted in the USMC, serving honorably until discharge in 1968, stationed in Quantico, VA. While serving, Whit obtained rifle and pistol sharpshooter qualifications, 1000 yard class.

After discharge in 1968, Whit migrated west to California, to complete his flight training, earning his CFI Ticket in 1971.

Upon completion of his training, Whit moved to Traverse City, and obtained employment with Tom Winchester, of Winchester Aviation.

In 1976, Whit met the love of his life, Peggy Rader, of Charlevoix, who survives.

Come 1978, when Tom Winchester retired, Whit purchased Winchester Aviation.

On February 3rd, 1979, Whit married Peggy.

In 1981, they moved to Sylvania, OH, to fly for National Family for a year.

Upon returning to Traverse City, he went to work for Cherry Capital Aviation as an Instructor, and in 1987, Whit became a Designated Examiner for, The FAA. Whit also flew as a Corporate Pilot for Alken Ziegler for many years. Whit was an extremely knowledgeable and competent Pilot, having taught hundreds of people how to fly, while accumulating in excess of 25,000 hours and many good friends and stories.

When Whit retired, he continued to conduct flight exams, along with part time employment with Maxbauer Ace Hardware, as he enjoyed interacting and helping others. He had a knack for making others laugh, and you always learned something from him, no matter how insignificant.

Moreover, Whit was a very talented woodworker, and immensely enjoyed creating beautiful furniture, until in 2002, he acquired his Lathe. Both he, and Peggy were members of the NW Michigan Wood turners club. They both worked in the Wood Shop.

During his career, and until his passing, Whit was an Avid Listener, as well as an active supporter of WIAA, Interlochen Public Radio, with a spotlight on Music by request and the opera, which was not to be interrupted.

Preceding Whit in passing, were his parents, Whitney and Dorothy Ballantine, of Wayne, and is survived by his wife Peggy; sister, Kathi Johnston of Alden and sister Barbara Katz, of Charlotte, NC.

Our family would like to extend a special recognition, to Munson in-home Hospice and Munson Hospice House staff for their outstanding care of Whit in his final Days. A big thank you goes to Friends Ray, Sam and Bill for taking Whit on one last flight last Saturday. It was a beautiful day for a last "oorah"

Never a big fan of funerals, Whit preferred a casual celebration of life. Join us from 3pm to 5 pm, Saturday April 11, 2015 at the Cherry Capital Aviation.

Memorials may be directed to Interlochen Public Radio or Munson Hospice House. Please visit Whit's webpage at www.lifestorytc.com to sign the guest book share memory's and more. The family chose Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.