WHITE - Mike. died at home in Courtenay, British Columbia on Sunday, October 26th, 2008. He was born in Ontario on September 25, 1956 to parents John and Shirley White, and shared his childhood home with younger brother Casey. He married his wife Carol in April 1988, moved to B.C., and settled in Comox in September 1990 with daughter Rebekah, who has her father's characteristic red hair. Two more red haired children followed: Kevin, and then Megan. Mike continued working for Canada Post where he began at age 17, commuting for a time to Parksville, and later working in Comox and Courtenay. His passions in life were perfectly suited to his chosen home in the Comox Valley, and included hockey - which he began as a child and continued playing into his early 30's, camping, and all varieties of eagles. But his greatest passion of all was his cherished family.
Mike's devotion and service to his wife Carol and to his children Rebekah (19), Kevin (17), and Megan (15) poured over into various areas of his community. His support of Girl Guides of Canada for over ten years awed children, parents, and especially Carol's fellow Guilding leaders. His love of hockey found him coaching in the Comox Valley Minor Hockey League for a number of years, and his own children and their many teammates all remember his joy and talent in coaching them in hockey - and his passion for the game. Mike volunteered countless hours in all levels and types of schooling that his children experienced over the last fourteen years, and his pride in their many endeavors and accomplishments shone brightly. His children are equally proud of the various awards and recognition he received in his different volunteer positions. Mike loved his children in such tangible and intangible ways. They are his legacy.
His family knows that every Fall, Mike anxiously awaited to hear on the radio his two favourite songs which would signal the start of the festive season, Christmas. These songs were "Six White Boomers" and "Porky Pig's Blue Christmas," and all who heard them played at his service at the Courtenay Baptist Church on Monday, November 3rd will hereafter think of Mike and his definitive sense of humour whenever they hear them.
Mike will be forever remembered and missed by his loving famiiy and friends. His family has been overwhelmed by the wonderful support at this difficult time. All remember Mike as kind, funny, always smiling and always "there," giving, dilligent, well-liked, and patient. His love of eagles was fitting, as eagles perched on branches of trees for hours also teach us about patience. Eagles are symbols of power, and Mike had power too, but of a kind and gentle nature. Eagles are also symbols of freedom and the transcendence which Mike now knows, as his spirit soars above all who loved him.