Michael Whittington, DVM 

Michael “Mike” Whittington was born on Feb. 2, 1965, and passed away peacefully at his home in Homer, Alaska, on June 23, 2026. 

Born in Bitburg, Germany, to Royce (Roy) and Verdella (Della) Whittington, Mike grew up in Orlando, Florida. From the time he was a young boy, he knew he wanted to become a veterinarian. He made plans in high school to attend the University of Florida, continue to vet school and practice in Alaska. That lifelong dream became reality when he graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in May 1991. 

His first veterinary position at Eagle River Veterinary Hospital brought him to Alaska, a place that quickly captured his heart and became home. Mike embraced every opportunity for adventure, living and working in Alaska, Washington and Ecuador. In 1996, he married his veterinary school sweetheart, Liliana (Lili) Sotomayor, and together they began their married life in Ecuador, where he wrangled alpacas and built his first small animal practice, serving the ex-pat community. But Alaska was never far from his thoughts.

In August 2004 Mike fulfilled another dream by opening Far Country Veterinary Hospital in Palmer, Alaska. For many years, he devoted himself to caring for animals and the people who loved them, building lasting friendships and earning the trust of countless clients. He strived to provide new graduates, colleagues and staff with a learning and career-building experience, while providing outstanding service to the community. Veterinary medicine was more than a profession to Mike; it was a calling.

After retiring from veterinary practice in 2016, Mike settled in Homer, where he poured his energy into the things he loved most. He and Lili designed and built their own energy efficient home, overlooking Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains. He explored Alaska’s mountains, lakes and wilderness whenever he could and spent countless happy days restoring and enjoying his beloved cabin on Tustumena Lake. Whether hiking, fishing, boating, snow machining or simply taking in the beauty around him, Mike felt most at peace in nature. His faithful canine companion, Burnham, was rarely far from his side on those adventures. 

Mike will be remembered for his quiet determination, generous spirit, love of adventure, curiosity, craftsmanship and deep appreciation for the natural world. He treasured time with family and friends and found joy in sharing stories, laughter, a good wine and Alaska’s rugged beauty with those he loved.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lili; his brother, Brad (Lisa); his niece, Hannah (Ryan); his great-niece, Riley and great-nephew, Finley; his beloved adventure companion, Burnham; and his wide circle of devoted friends. 

Mike built a life filled with purpose, adventure, and quiet generosity. His legacy will live on in the people, animals, and places he loved. In honor of Mike’s lifelong love for wildlife and the outdoors, the family invites donations to a conservation organization of your choice. In keeping with his wishes, Mike’s ashes will be scattered at his cherished cabin on Tustumena Lake, a place that held his heart.