April 22, 2025 3:20 a.m.

Covering coastal Douglas County:

County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Tom Kress, and Chris Boice are recognizing the retirement of longtime Meals on Wheels volunteer Bill Whitney.

A county release said Whitney’s departure will leave a heartfelt void in the Meals on Wheels program at the Reedsport Bistro Sixty Dining Site.

Commissioners said that for more than two decades, Whitney has been the steady, smiling face behind countless meal deliveries, providing not only nourishment but also compassion and companionship to local seniors.

Commissioner Tom Kress said, “Bill’s tireless years of enthusiastic service have made a lasting impact on our community. He’s been more than a volunteer here –he’s been a friend, a lifeline, and a shining example of what it means to serve with heart”. Kress said, “We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement”.

Whitney moved to Reedsport in 2010 and has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 25 years, including 20 years in Oregon. He plans to travel more and enjoy life on the road in his motor home.

The Reedsport Bistro Sixty Dining Site is actively seeking new volunteers to help deliver meals and brighten the lives of local seniors. Senior dining sites prepare meals on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. To get involved, call the county’s Senior Services Department at 440-3677.