Obituary: White, Edward Leo

WHITE, Edward Leo Edward passed away peacefully at his home on January 17, 2014.

Family members were at his side.

He was born February 24, 1917 in Anaconda, MT., to William H. and Mary E. White.

Ed was born an identical twin with his brother Harold (Hank) who passed away on January 18, 2012.

The family moved from Anaconda to Seattle, WA., and back to Orvando, MT., before settling in Priest River, ID., in 1922.

He married his sister’s good friend, Ruth N. Elder on July 18, 1937 in Sandpoint, ID.

Ruth passed away May 16, 2011 after 74 years of marriage to Ed.

Ed and Hank were inseparable growing up.

The two were championship Priest River loggers.

They served in the Army during World War II, worked in CCC camps and drove trucks on the Alaskan Highway.

After both brothers and their wives moved to Spokane, they decided to go into the concrete block making business.

In 1947, the Whites’ business was founded and is known as White Block Company, Inc. Ed and Hank retired 30 years later in 1977.

Ed and Ruth spent many winters in Hawaii and summers at their property on Pend Oreille River.

They also took many trips and cruises to the British Isles, Russia, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Australia.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents; wife Ruth; son Lyle E. White; brother William M. White; and his twin brother Harold J.

White.

He is survived by one son, Wayne E. (Sandra) White, Rathdrum, ID; sister, Clara McMahon, Spokane Valley; brother, Thomas W. White, Clinton, MT; grandchildren, Shayne White, Spokane; Sandra (Scott) Murphy, Grain Valley, MO; Stacy (Thad) Corless, Waunakee, WI; Ruth Hoffer, Hershey, PA. Greg (Saudia) Smith, Wenatchee, WA; Wendy (Tim) Smith, Spokane Valley; Paul (Kairi) White, Spokane Valley; Todd White, Newport, WA; step grandchildren, Kevin (Tawnya) Turner, Richland, WA; Lisa Turner, Seattle, WA; Jeffrey Turner, Lynnwood, WA.

Ed is survived by 20 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren; eight step great-grandchildren and six step great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.

A private celebration of life is being planned for this summer on Pend Oreille River.