Steven Whitaker Obituary

Durango resident Steven T. Whitaker died Friday, Sept. 9, 2011, of cardiomyopathy and complications of a stroke in Durango. He was 54.

Mr. Whitaker was born to Troy and Jean (Abnet) Brown on April 20, 1957, in Kalamazoo, Mich. He attended Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, Calif., and earned a GED diploma.

On May 22, 1982, he married Deanna Allen in Riverside County, Calif.

Mr. Whitaker was a musician and long-haul truck driver. His wife said he could play any instrument he picked up.

The Whitakers moved to Durango three years ago.

Active in Renaissance Faire communities, he was known as "Lord Whitaker" or "The Wizard." He enjoyed spending time with his family and was especially fond of his grandchildren, his family said.

Mr. Whitaker's best friend since childhood, John Wartenberg, helped care for him in his final months.

Mr. Whitaker is survived by his wife, Deanna Whitaker, of Durango; daughters Anna Whitaker of Durango, Miramonee Whitaker of Upland, Calif., and Rachel Allen of Merced, Calif.; son, Roger Whitaker, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; mother, Jean Abnet, of Phoenix; sister, Karen Cramer, of Phoenix; brothers Ken Brown of Michigan and Rick Brown; and 10 grandchildren.

A time of remembrance was held for the family on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011. A memorial service will be held at the Southern California Renaissance Faire in May 2012.