Tyvin Whittaker

Tyvin Jay Whittaker SR. Son of Raymond Whittaker and Jetty Rae Thom was born on May 19th 1963, in Ukiah California. Tyvin had a troubled youth, but after a miraculous encounter with Jesus at 17, in a jail cell- his life was changed. Shortly after he joined the Covenant Players acting troupe where he met his wife Kathleen Pidek. They eloped on Oct 31st 1984 in Lake Tahoe.

Because of his miraculous experience as a teen-he had a deep passion for troubled youth. He spent all of his adult life mentoring young men. In 1999 Tyvin and Kathleen founded 11th Hour Outreach and launched Ragamuffin Theatre shortly after. Tyvin was an excellent wordsmith and playwright. His wife directed the plays he wrote, and nothing gave Tyvin more pleasure than hauling stage pieces and setting lights for his wife.

Tyvin was a happily married man. He could often be seen trying to kiss his wife in the kitchen in true Pepe le Pew fashion. His four children are living testimonies of his deep love and devotion to them as a father and leader. Tyvin was a proud and involved Grandparent, endearingly called Boompa.

His desire to be in the sanctuary of the wild stemmed from his Karuk tribe heritage. A true hunter, and gatherer no one could set camp like him, shoot a buck or find the motherload of morels. Starting in 2003 he led 100+ youth on a backpacking trip to the Marble Mountains annually-where he modeled leadership and taught character.

He also had a passion for basketball which started when he was a teen—he was notorious for swishing the threes. Coach, mentor and friend were all common names for Tyvin. He coached boys basketball for Charlevoix schools as well as East Jordan. A gentle spirited and patient man, his work as a youth intervention specialist with the GTB was an honor and perfect fit for his personality and passion.

Tyvin was ushered into the presence of God peacefully on 2/23 2017 surrounded by his wife, children and friends-a truer warrior has never been seen.

Tyvin is survived by his wife Kathleen, daughter Jetty Rae (Jason Stewart), Brooke (Cameron Crain), Bethany (Luke Baumann), and Tyvin Whittaker Jr. Dad Raymond Whittaker, Mother-in-law Phyllis Pidek, and many grand-children. He is proceeded in death by his mom Jetty Rae, Grand-daughter Ella Rae, and Father-in-Law John Pidek.

Funeral Services will take place on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 4:30 pm at Center Point Assembly of God. The family will receive guests for visitation from 3 pm until time of services. Memorial contributions in Tyvin’s name may be directed to Eleventh Hour Outreach Ministries (for continues outreach) at 104 E. Upright St. Charlevoix, MI 49720. Please visit Tyvin’s online guestbook at www.winchesterfuneralhome.com to share your memories or condolences with his family.

Tyvin's wish was that everyone would join us at Center Point Assembly of God as the Ragamuffin Theatre & Co. present Angel Flight 777 on Saturday Feb. 25, 2017 at 7pm and on Sunday Feb. 26 at 10:30 am and 6 pm. Admission is free/donations welcome.