Kenneth J. White, age 71 of West Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2006 surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with heart and kidney disease.
Born October 12, 1934 in Red Cloud, Nebraska to Ruth and Robert White, he moved to Hood River, Oregon shortly and later moved to Longview, Washington. Ken attended Western State College earning a BA in business and education. Following his graduation, he taught in the local school system and then became director for the YMCA. Ken then built and directed a summer YMCA camp at Mt. St. Helens, Washington. He is remembered by many for his guidance and support in helping local youth grow and develop. His love for children followed him throughout adulthood as he followed a variety of career interests including becoming Mayor of Herrah, Washington, initiating the first recycling center in Yakima, Washington, directing personnel for the Billings Deaconess Hospital in Billings, Montana, and finally retiring as a water specialist for the Department of Ecology in Seattle.
When asked what his hobbies were, Ken would often reply, "My hobby is my life." Ken's life can be characterized by his deep love for each member of his family. He was kind and always generous with his time; he was willing to help anyone with any task. He was a careful listener and made each of us feel so special by offering his love and friendship at all different stages of our lives. In addition to spending time with his family Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, and his true passion, flying.
Ken is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Donna M. White; his sons Jeffrey and Michael White and Mike's wife Pam; his stepdaughters Betsey Fenton and her husband Brent and Tracy Shalit and her husband Robert; and his seven grandchildren: Ian and Zachary Shalit; Teagan and Asher Fenton; Ross and Ian White; and Whitney White.
He will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews and many other family members.
Donations may be made to the Renal Center at Highline Hospital, Burien, Washington.
Please sign our guest book at www.Howden-Kennedy.com.
