Whitman Alvin

     Whitman Alvin, "TaiDo" (Peaceful Way), born in Hyannis on September 1,1948, passed away on Tuesday February 18, 2025. TaiDo lived most of his life on Cape Cod. He is survived by sister Virginia Alvin Bibler married to George of Billerica, MA; by brother Gillette Alvin married to Barbara of Southbury, Conn; by brother Mark Alvin married to Sally of Northfield, MA; and by ten nieces and nephews; and, by fifteen grand nieces and nephews.

     Whit, who was known as TaiDo was a practitioner of Zen Buddhism. Devoted in his meditation practice, he lived the principles of peace, kindness and generosity to family and to everyone. He was dedicated to his practice, always seeking Truth, and is now a Revered Ancestor of his Sangha. His studied with spiritual master Rev. Fugan Dineen, of Hyannis Zendo.   

       A graduate of Barnstable Tech H.S., he was employed building homes on the Cape before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968. He trained to become a sergeant and was sent to Vietnam with his platoon. He was injured very soon after by a land mine and lost one of his men, Manuel Hernandez, Jr.  Whit suffered a head injury, lost one eye and injuries to lower body. A wounded veteran, awarded the Purple Heart, he was returned to the U.S. in 1969.

      In spite of his injuries, Whit went on to Dean Junior College for his Associates Degree. He then went to the Rhode Island School of Design for a degree in Architecture. He worked for several years helping veterans secure jobs before going onto disability with the VA, due to PTSD. Whit took care of his aging mother for over 14 years. He created paintings in oil, owned and restored several antique cars, and enjoyed repairing Persian rugs. Whit also enjoyed helping support other family members.

     After the Cape waterway to Lewis Bay was dredged, dumping tons of sand over previous vegetation, Whit worked alone to restore plant life on a huge area along Kalmus Beach, bringing native grasses and young beach pines in to transplant.  

      Of especial note is his creation and funding of a scholarship program for graduating H.S. seniors in Corpus Christie, Texas. This is in honor of his fellow comrade who died at the time of his injury, Manuel Hernandez,Jr. This fund continues to help students to this day, giving $1500 each year to two students from the Ray Miller High School. Donations can be made in honor of Whitman (TaiDo) to: https://www.cbcfoundation.org/scholarships/online/hernandez-manuel-hernandez-jr-memorial-scholarship/.

        Tai-Do spent his final weeks at the Regency Health Center, Centerville, MA. He was in Hospice care for his final days, visited frequently by his loving family and friends.