David Wherritt

David Wherritt, who passed away in 1998, was an acclaimed businessman and real estate investor. He founded a successful commercial real estate firm in Portland, Oregon that continues to thrive today.

He was involved in his church and as a volunteer. Additionally, his passion for scouting and camping continued to grow.

Early Life and Education

Early years are essential for a child’s overall development. They mark an era of rapid brain growth and lay the groundwork for social skills, self-worth and moral values later in life.

Early experiences for children can have lasting physical, emotional and social consequences throughout their lifetime. Positive environments and relationships, especially stable and responsive relationships with parents or other adults, can greatly benefit a child’s learning and behavior in later years.

Some of the key theorists in early childhood education include Froebel, Erikson and Jean Rousseau. Their work still guides practitioners today and provides a foundational understanding of how best to instruct children during their formative years.

Professional Career

David Wherritt was an accomplished mechanical engineer by profession with a long list of professional achievements. As founder and CEO of Electro Magnetic Industries, his name became synonymous with the consumer electronics and power plant industries. A well-known Silicon Valley alumnus, David also contributed his skills to several other startups over the years. A true pioneer, his innovative product development methods won him many accolades over time. As proud father to six children and nine grandchildren, david dedicated his free time to family activities such as skiing or triathlons.

Achievements and Honors

David Wherritt had already become a multi-millionaire by the time he graduated high school, going on to become an accomplished commercial real estate developer and top executive at a Fortune 500 company. He also had several patents under his belt including one for the world’s first teleportal which was later patented by Cold Stone Ice Cream company. Additionally, David received patents for numerous devices such as self-powered car doors and energy efficient office spaces by simply pulling on a cord.

He was an enthusiastic member of SCYA for many years and enjoyed telling stories to friends and colleagues alike. Most importantly, he was a proud dad to four sons and one daughter – as well as an accomplished grandad to two.

Personal Life

David Wherritt’s personal life was one of deep love. He enjoyed skiing, listening to music and traveling the world with his wife Gail.

He was born October 4, 1925 in Syracuse, Kansas as the oldest of six children. Survived by his wife Gail; son James; daughter-in-law Kendra; granddaughters Stephanie Murphy (Todd), Elizabeth Bills (David); and Brooke Quinlan.

Winemaker Matt Courtney founded Ferren with longtime friend David Wherritt after an eight year apprenticeship with Helen Turley at Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. They make wines using traditional Burgundian methods without fining or filtration, sourced from small lots of Sonoma Coast vineyards and sold exclusively through exclusive mailing lists.