Freya and Logan Whittaker's Trust

On the 4th of July, Freya and Logan lost their loving dad.
Norman Erik Whittaker born August 25th, 1969, chose to take his own life. We as a family have been devastated to accept the truths of Norm's sadness, of his PTSD, and of his inability to ask others who loved him for help. Norm, a proud Marine, was loved by so many people and we know that everyone would have jumped to help him if he had asked. Just as he did every time he had a friend in need.

Norm lived his life big. The first to rewrite any notion of proper party dress at PixelMedia, a company of great people who he loved being a part of everyday. Always packed to go camping at the drop of a hat. He knew the different between good and bad beer. He redefined the fun one can have with beards, mustaches and everything in between. And a few of us know that he made the best tomato pie in the world. He was a big strong Marine and he was ours.

Sadly due to his struggles, when he passed he did not leave anything for his children. There was no life insurance, retirement accounts or funds of any kind.

Freya had just graduated from high school, a day we all celebrated together and was planning to attend Dickinson College in a few weeks. Logan had finished his freshman year at Portsmouth High School and was looking forward to a summer camping and fishing with his father.

We are now hoping to raise funds to support the kids' education.

Freya has spoken about her dreams of going to college since she was 10. She would read us details about what we needed to do in order for her to be able to go to college over dinner beginning at 11. She was the president of the Portsmouth High School Model UN, she played tennis, she managed the math team, she also was a member of the national honors society. She has been the conqueror of anything she set her mind to. College has always been a guarantee in her mind, supported by her father's assurances and she delighted in every college visit she made.

Logan has spoken open and honestly about his hopes and dreams since he was little as well. His ideas have changed many times as he realized when he was 9 that he couldn't have a job just building Lego sets all day. In recent days, Logan has recently focused on photography and guitar, talents that were nurtured and loved by his dad.

Both children have always been excellent students.

This assistance would greatly support their dreams of a college education and all the things that go along with it.

As a family, thank you all for the love you have showed the kids this far. We will always be grateful for the love Norm had for his children and the people he surrounded them with.

To Norm we are so thankful for these two beautiful children. Sempre Fidelis sweet Marine. You will be greatly missed.

With love -
Alyce Morris (Mom) and Elena Maltese (Stepmom)