SKOWHEGAN – Roy “Taz” Whitney passed away on April 6, 2023 after a brief illness, at home surrounded by family.

He was born in Oct. 12, 1947 in Waterville, the son of Earl Whitney and Ethel (Clement) Whitney. He grew up in Augusta.

Roy will be remembered for his easy going personality and ability to make friends everywhere.

Roy had many careers in his lifetime, learning how to do just about anything. He had a very generous heart, and saw the good in people.

Roy got involved in the horse racing scene by driving the pace cars at fairs across Maine over 20 years ago. His hobby developed into a part-time, then full time, job with Scarborough Downs as a pace car driver. This race track knowledge helped begin a long association with the Skowhegan Fair. There he groomed and maintained the track each August and prepared it for the horse races each year.

He enjoyed a long list of hobbies and interests – hunting, (he was always in camo), fishing, stock car racing, auto mechanics – working on anything with wheels (El Caminos, oh so many El Caminos), bowling, shooting darts, and playing pool on his own table (in his garage man-cave.)

Roy will be remembered as someone they could always count on, willing to help friends and strangers alike.. He made friends everywhere. Roy made everyone feel like they had known him all their life.

He is survived by Claire Paradis, his partner of 32 years who cared for him to the end. He is also survived by his daughters Shannon George and Lacey Duplisea; his brother David Whitney, his sister, Linda Whitney Smith; and many extended family members.

The family would like to thank the nurses of MaineGeneral Hospice. A special thanks to Dr. Lamke for his caring and support for both Claire and Roy.

At Roy’s request, there will be no memorial service.

Copy the Story Link