EDDINGTON - Douglas Wilbert Whitney, a distinguished executive in the architectural industry, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 11, 2025 at the age of 68.
Born in Portland on Jan. 12, 1957 to Wilbert and Janet Gullifer Whitney, Doug was the eldest of five children. He graduated from Cony High School in 1975 and earned a bachelor's in Architecture from Syracuse University.
Doug was an award-winning architect who joined WBRC in Bangor in 1980 and became a principal in 1989 and was named President and CEO in 2013 and served in that capacity until 2022, when he became Chair Emeritus. He retired on Dec. 31, 2023. After designing many of Maine's signature buildings, including the Northern Light Irving Kagan Building, Doug led the creation of WBRC's Florida branch in Lakewood Ranch in 2002. Under his leadership and vision, WBRC grew significantly with projects across 17 states and serving regional and national clients, including Universal Health Services, Bealls Outlets, Verizon Wireless, and Validus. Doug led the company during the design of multiple major projects such as the construction of UMaine athletic facilities, South Portland Middle School, Northern Light Blue Hill Hospital, Aura in Portland, and the L.L.Bean flagship store. Doug established a relationship with the Veterans Administration (VA) and, as a result, WBRC now has VA projects in 11 states. Doug also initiated specialties at WBRC in hospice and senior living. Under Doug's leadership, 1,823 projects were completed and 617 of them were under his direct supervision in the WBRC Florida branch. Doug and his team also initiated a recent and profound rebranding of WBRC.
In recognition of his many contributions to the field of architecture, Doug was inducted into the Francis Crowe Society at the University of Maine as an honorary member in 2015 joining his father, Wilbert, his brother, Michael and nephew, Daniel. He was the first architect to receive this honor, joining esteemed Francis Crowe members such as John Glenn and Adam Savage. At his induction, Dana Humphrey, UMaine Dean of Engineering remarked, "it is appropriate that we recognize you, during UMaine's 150th anniversary, as WBRC's history is integral to the development of our campus".
In 2022, Doug established a University of Maine scholarship in honor of his parents, Wilbert and Janet, to support students in the colleges of education and engineering. He also created a similar scholarship for architectural students at Syracuse University.
Doug cherished the companionship of his partner, Douglas DuPouy, over the last 20 years. The two of them looked forward to their time in Maine each summer to gather with family and friends and relax at their lake house on Chemo Pond. Doug had an amazing sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. He was an active volunteer at schools where Doug DuPouy had been principal and thoroughly enjoyed speaking to students about math and reading.
Doug is survived by his parents, Wilbert and Janet Whitney of Augusta; his partner, Doug DuPouy of Lakewood Ranch, Fla. and Eddington; his brothers Michael (Narelle) of Topsham, Brian (Stephanie) of Augusta, and his sisters Barbara Ardito (Gene) of Portland, and Susan Linscott (Thomas) of Windsor. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, immediately following the service. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.
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