William C. “Bill” White

Born in Jacksonville, Fla. on May 12, 1922, to William C. White and Inez Moore, Bill White passed away at Virginia Mason Hospital, Seattle on April 1, 2011.

Bill had a lifelong interest in science and especially astronomy.

He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University and later completed graduate work at Ohio State University and the University of Utah.

During the time at Ohio State he met student Gene Sando and they were married Nov. 30, 1952.

Although they had no children of their own, they were dedicated to work that advanced the health and education of children worldwide, and were instrumental in establishing the Global Child Nutrition Foundation.

Much of Bill’s professional work was centered at the Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, Calif.

While at China Lake, he was selected by the Navy to be the scientific observer on Project Stargazer, a high-altitude balloon flight launched from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Reaching an altitude of 82,000 feet, it was possible for the first time to study the earth and planets at the edge of space.

Bill is survived by his wife Gene; a brother James White; eight nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

He was a 45-year member of Rotary International and a dedicated volunteer with Beach Watchers and other organizations dedicated to preserving the land and waters in the Pacific Northwest. The Whites have lived on Whidbey Island since 1986.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at Langley United Methodist Church.

Instead of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Bill White Memorial Fund, Langley United Methodist Church, PO Box 374, 301 Anthes Ave., Langley, WA. 98260.

The fund will support music and youth programs at the church.