Age: 60
WHIPPLE, Sidney C.
Mattawan, MI
Sidney Curtis Whipple, age 60, peacefully passed away in his home on March 2, 2015 after a courageous four year battle with cancer. His loved ones surrounded him during his passing. He was born June 15, 1954 in Newport, RI, to surviving parents Gerald and Barbara (Weed) Whipple. Also surviving are his three sons [Ben (Amy) Whipple of Athens, GA; Andy (Amy) Whipple of Kalamazoo, MI; and Greg Whipple of Portage, MI], three siblings [Scott (Debbie) Whipple of Paw Paw, MI; Debbie (Tom) Whitaker of Granger, IN; and Steve (Jenny) Whipple of Pittsburg, CA], and two grandchildren [Josie and Curtis Whipple of Athens, GA].
Sid was a graduate of Paw Paw High school (class of 1972) and Western Michigan University (class of 1994) with a Bachelor of Science degree in primary education. Shortly after graduation from Western, Sid joined Pullman Elementary school where he established his reputation for a unique teaching style that resonated with his students. Whether it was his animated reading of "Where the Red Fern Grows," classroom foosball tournaments, or classroom jokes, it was clear that Sid's true passion was teaching. Throughout his life, Sid enjoyed many hobbies and loved the outdoors. His favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, golf, and trips to the casino with his parents. Above all else, however, Sid loved his family and relished every opportunity to spend time with them. Family will receive friends on Thursday (March 5) from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday (March 6) from 11 a.m. to noon at the Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw, MI. A memorial service will be held at noon following the Friday visitation. Memorial contributions can be made to a sponsorship of the annual Pullman Elementary School Mackinac Island trip in Sid's name (Please make checks payable to Ben Whipple or Andy Whipple). The Mackinac trip was one of Sid's favorite activities with his students and requires fundraising every year. Contributions can also be made to the University of Michigan's Prostate Cancer Research Program (Please make checks payable to "University of Michigan" and sent to Medical Development, 1000 Oakbrook, Suite 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 or visit the website www.mcancer.org/tribute).