Ronald (Ron) Ottis Whitney of Oak Bluffs died April 8 in Boston. He was 74.

He was born in Boston to Granville Ottis and Daphne Mae Whitney. He married Deborah J. Irvine Whitney in May of 1993 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Edgartown.

Ron was an animal protection advocate and had a long career with the MSPCA, starting with the organization in Boston, Methuen and Pittsfield before coming to the Vineyard to work as the shelter manager from 1977 until its closing in 2009.

He was a sergeant in the Air Force from 1967-1971 during Vietnam, serving his time as a sentry dog handler, law enforcement specialist and patrolman. Between the end of his military career and his start at the MSPCA he worked as an animal control officer for the city of Framingham and as a driving instructor. He worked as a law enforcement officer and considered himself a law enforcement educator. In all the positions he held, Ron was a positive problem solver.

He enjoyed going to the beach, fishing, playing poker and spending time with his family.

Ron is survived by his wife Deborah J. Whitney of Oak Bluffs; daughters Rebecca Laqua of Plymouth, Minn., Darci J. Whitney and her fiancé Joe Cogliano of Oak Bluffs and Alyssa S. Whitney of Oak Bluffs; grandchildren Brianna Brandt and Jack Brandt of Plymouth, Minn., and Adelynn Rose and Joseph Cogliano of Oak Bluffs; his twin brother Richard Whitney of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Granville Whitney and Daphne Whitney, brother Bruce Whitney, sister Carol Fox and his uncles Bruce Whitney and John Whitney.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, April 29 at Chapman Funerals and Cremations in Oak Bluffs from 1 to 2 p.m. A memorial service will follow at the funeral home at 2 p.m. Interment will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne on Monday, May 1 at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to an animal shelter of your choice.