Many employees of Jordan School District knew and worked with Superintendent Raymond Whittenburg. I was one of them. He passed away on Wednesday, April 1, from cancer. He retired 13 years ago, but his influence on our District and our individual lives continues today. I knew and worked with Raymond for over 30 years. I had the opportunity to live in his neighborhood for 13 years. I was so pleased to witness first hand that the man I saw and admired at work was the same man I knew in my neighborhood. Wherever he was, he consistently practiced the characteristics of caring, patience, hope, and optimism. I remember fondly his persistent encouragement to me and my wife to finish my schooling while our children were young. I remember a private visit with him when seeking advice about applying for the position of superintendent of schools. He was always supportive and encouraging. I was present when he was asked in a public meeting what the greatest compliment someone could give him. He said, “When someone calls me Raymond. I have the relationship I prefer with someone when they are comfortable calling me Ray.”
Raymond was no stranger to challenges at work and in meeting the health challenges of his dear wife, Merilyn. However, he never complained. When asked, “How are you doing?” he would respond, “One day at a time!” Then he would smile – a genuine smile. I knew he meant it. One time while visiting with him in his home, I asked him how he remained so optimistic in the midst of so many difficult issues in all parts of his life. He said, “Merilyn and I decided a long time ago that we would focus our energy on things we can change and not on those things we cannot. We make the best of whatever we have.” I heard him say this on other occasions in various settings. I knew he meant it and knew he lived his life accordingly. Raymond’s life’s motto, “one day at a time,” and his determination to focus his energy on things he could change and not on those he couldn’t, are very appropriate advice for us today. That perspective served him well throughout his life and will do the same for us. Thank you, Raymond, for your encouragement and example to us all. Like you, we will seek to face life with optimism “one day at a time” and will focus our energy on things we can change, not on things we cannot. I can hear you reassuringly say, “Things will work out.” I’m confident they will, too.
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