It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Toby Whitney, a longtime resident and business owner of T. Whitney Grading & Paving. Toby leaves behind his loving wife Peggy of 40 years their amazingly thoughtful loving daughters Kelly Koretz, Jillinda Freeman (Roy), daughter of the heart Shelley Harvick Covey (Scott). Granddaughters Nicole Robinson (Michael Duke), Grandsons Michael Shane Schlageck, Chance Caragata. Grandsons of the heart Dustin Covey, Ryan Freeman, Dylan Freeman and Branden Freeman. Granddaughters of the heart Tiffany Covey Silva, Madison Covey. Great Grandchildren Eveleigh Wren, Sterling Ryker, Everly Grace. Great Grandchildren of the Heart Diesel, Adam, Dayzen, Rylynn, Bradyn. He loved and adored each and every one, they were all his favorites.

Toby was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota spending the first 15 years of his life in Minnesota. Rheumatic fever brought him to Phoenix along with his parents as doctors suggested the climate in Arizona was better for his health.

Toby graduated from Phoenix union high school and went on to serve his country in the United States Army after completing boot camp his duty station was in Korea. At the end of the Korean war he returned to Phoenix area working for the Arizona State Highway Survey Crew. Loving Arizona, Toby has remained a resident serving on the Arizona Highway Patrol, Tanner Companies of both Phoenix and Yuma. After moving to Yuma Toby worked for Thomas Construction, Denton Construction after which he owned and operated his own paving company, T. Whitney Grading & Paving. Due to health complication he was forced into an early retirement at the age of 51, out living two doctors and an insurance policy.

In 1986 Toby & Peggy moved to their home in Springville, Arizona otherwise known as his "little slice of heaven". Toby fulfilled his dream of living in the white mountains until September of 2019 where they permanently returned to Yuma, again his health took the best of him. Toby had a passion for speed whether it be in boat, car, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile it did not matter as long as it went fast. His love for the outdoors was infectious, he spent the majority of his time in his garden, fishing, hunting and yes Peggy would be right alongside of him enjoying nature together.

Toby leaves a family that loved and adored him, grandchildren and Great Grands often thought G-Pa was scary but yet they loved him to pieces. Many friends young and old made his journey through life full of love and awesome memories. Toby often said "I have had a great deal of very dear friends, some of whom did not like me but yet respected me'. Therefore, it meant the world to him. It is with that love and respect he will return to those beautiful mountains to walk freely with the wind and never having to worry "someone took my favorite camping spot". Diamond Rock is now all yours Toby, (dad) rest in peace mountain man.

Toby's celebration of life by his family will be held at All Saints Cremation and Memorial Chapel located at 170 E. 17th Place (across from Parks & Recreation) Tuesday December the 20 ^th at 10:00 am. Casual fellowship will immediately follow sharing special memories of Toby.