The family of Larry White, with sorrow at his loss and joy and pride in his living, announce the death of Larry White August 19 2012 at the age of 94 years.
Larry began his life experience in Winnipeg Canada March 9th 1918 . At the age of 18 he left home to become a hard rock miner in Canada’s North.
In 1940 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as an aircraft mechanic, rising in rank to Senior Crew Chief by War’s end. He received the Queen’s commission to Pilot Officer while with the 418 Squadron Auxiliary RCAF. After the War he obtained his major aircraft repair certificates and became part of Canada‘s bush flying history.
Larry spent his time between shop work and flying; hauling freight to, and fish from, isolated locations in Northern Canada, including the newly operational Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line.
Helen Williamson became his wife in 1941, remaining his cherished companion for 56 years until her death in 1997.
In 1958 Larry joined International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) as a recruiter. His work resulted in the family‘s emigration from Canada to California in 1963. As a recruiter he was part of maintaining manpower support to ITT military contracts such as the DEW Line; and communications systems such as Vandenberg Air Force Base Eniwetok downrange; land and ship requirements for Apollo 11 and White Alice.
He retired from ITT in 1973 and owned a sporting goods store in Las Vegas until 1977 when they moved to Lake Havasu Arizona. With Helen’s health failing, they relocated to Whidbey Island in 1984 to be closer to family.
Larry devoted himself to Helen’s care until her death, and then turned his devotion to volunteer work. He became a member of Sheriff Hawley’s Citizen Patrol. He was later appointed Captain ; expanding the patrol team from 12 to 34 active members. The patrol operated and maintained 2 retired police vehicles covering the South precinct on a regular schedule. Upon his retirement Larry was presented with an Outstanding Service Award by the Sheriff.
He was a life and patron member of the National Rile Association (NRA) and a life member of the Central Whidbey Sportsman’s Association. He was also a member of the local Masonic Lodge 218 as a Master Mason.
Larry bought his first motorcycle at age 18 and his 14th at age 87. There was nothing he couldn’t build or repair. He was an avid gun collector and gun smith. Up until the age of 92, Larry continued to “putter” in his shop, his last project the construction of model, fully functional, cannons with his metal lathe.
Larry is survived by his daughter Linda Jones and son-in-law David (Ottawa) and daughter Dawn Haynes and son-in-law Randy (Langley); his grandchildren Shelly Christian and husband Mark (Blackdiamond), Steve Haynes and wife Lila (Freeland) and Shawna Sterba and husband CJ; and great grandchildren Cody, Jaeger and Chanel. At his bequest, the family celebrated his life with a gathering August 25th..
