By Tracy Bell

Published: April 23, 2008

Justin Whitaker seemed to touch many people in his short life. He lived for 18 years, but it seems to be that of a life lived longer, because he was able to reach and inspire so many people in the time that he was here.

Whitaker, who attended and graduated from North Stafford High School, died April 7 of cancer after an inspirational, hard-fought battle with the disease. He was laid to rest April 19 after a ceremony that drew more than 2,000 people to the school for a last farewell.

Family, friends, teachers and faculty were there. Most notably, Justin’s family, including his father, Craig Whitaker, as well as Justin’s longtime girlfriend Courtney Crews, were on hand to celebrate Justin’s life with others who knew him best.

At this time, they, and many others who knew Justin, feel a deep loss. We hope that they can continue to come together as one to heal, as Justin’s family, friends and North Stafford High School as a whole united to help support Justin during his illness.

For Craig Whitaker, we wish peace and strength, and plenty of support around him.

For Crews, we wish the same, and note that for a teenager she has displayed amazing courage, strength and maturity, well beyond her years, as has Justin, and that is impressive. To be delivered such terrifying news and to handle it the way Justin did — friends say he did not complain, that he rolled with the punches — is admirable. 

It is unfortunate that the teenagers at North Stafford have had to deal with death at their ages, but what has been thrown at them, they’ve handled with grace. It may not feel that way at times, but that strength is set within. They should be proud.

It is apparent that Justin Whitaker is a special human being. Though he has passed away, it is a terrific idea to allow his memory to continue to live on in any way decided that’s best, including the possibility of a baseball field named in his honor.

We wish everyone who knew Justin Whitaker, the best during this difficult time.