Obituary of Donald Frederick White

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donald Frederick White.

 

Donnie was an amazing dad, a fun grandfather, and a loving husband. He was a proud Maritimer, and showed his East Coast spirit everywhere he went.  Although he grew up next to the ocean, the mountains soon became his home.  Whether spending time with his daughter & son in law gold panning at Noke Creek or enjoying time with his sons at the Riverwood Campground having a game of Poker Dice – Donnie always had a smile on his face.  His favourite place to be was with his wife at Norbury Lake, where he and Heather spent many hours reminiscing about their wonderful life together. 

 

“Go Leafs Go”

 

As a die hard fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was rarely seen without a Leafs hat, hoodie, or t-shirt on.  A few years back when Donnie took sick, the doctor asked him for a reason not to give up, a reason to keep fighting for his life-  to which Donnie replied – I want to see the Leafs win the Stanley Cup.  The doctor tried to remain professional after hearing this response, knowing Donnie was a big fan, said to him– well Mr. White, you are going to live for a very long time then! And they laughed.  Well, he did live longer than expected and the Leafs making it to the second round of the 2023 playoffs gave his family so much hope.  They gathered around him for every game – cheering and sporting their Leafs jerseys, hats, and hoodies with him.  His grandson even bought him a strand of blue and white Christmas lights, which were draped around the tv and turned on as he watched the games.  It was a good playoff run while it lasted, as was the life that Donnie lived.

 

Donnie does not want us to be sad, but to go forward and live each day as if it were our last.  Take those chances, try new things, and please be kind to one another.

 

Donnie is lovingly survived by his Wife of 46 years, Heather, daughter Mandy White (Dan), two sons Bradley White (Shelly), Todd White (Melissa), two grandsons Raeshaun Miller and Evan Grant, sister Debbie White, two brothers John White (Cathy), Dannie White, and his mother in law Hazel Gaudet.

A special mention to the #3’s in his life – Son#3 – Merv Cavin (Patti), and #3 of The Three Musketeers – Pat Simpson.

Donnie was predeceased by his parents Gerard and Donna White, both of Saint John, New Brunswick.

 

The family would like to thank all of those who supported Donnie in his time of need, with a special mention to the entire palliative care team (Justin), Dr. Niemand, Dr. Shilhan, and McPhearson’s Funeral Services.

 

At Donnie's request, no funreal service will be held.

 

Donnie supported the STARS Air Ambulance and the Alberta Children’s Hospital; however, donations may be made to the charity of personal choice in lieu of flowers.