Michael Loren White
May 27, 1946 - March 18, 2019
Obituary
Michael Loren White passed peacefully in the early morning hours of March 18th at Valley Medical Center from COPD.
Mike was born on May 27, 1946 in Seattle to George R. White, Jr. and Giselda Lorenzini. George was an Interpreter in the Army during WWII when he met his war bride, Giselda, in Italy. They were married by Pope Pius XII before returning to the United States.
Mike grew up in Federal Way with his three siblings: Jim, Delores and Kathy. He graduated from Federal Way High School in 1964. He joined the Marines and served two tours in Vietnam with the Marine Air Control Group 18. Returning to the United States he went back his job as a Truck Driver with the Teamsters.
Mike married Deanna on November 20, 1976 and became Dad to Harry, Mark and Jim.
Mike loved life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed his annual hunting trips with his long time friends and family. Mike loved playing baseball and continued to play into his 40’s. Every year he anticipated the start of the Mariners new season. For his 70th birthday his son Jim and his grandson’s Brandon and Ethan took him to Safeco Field for a game. He was an avid bowler with a 200 average. Mike loved to work in his yard. Every year their yard was a thing of beauty, with flowers in hanging pots, many, many planters and in the flower beds. His dahlias were gorgeous. He battled with his tomatoes every year. Some years he won! Most of all Mike loved his family. He was always there to help anyone wherever and whenever they needed him.
Mike is survived by his wife, Dee, his sons, Harry (Cindy) and Jim (Julie), grandsons Brandon and Ethan, granddaughter Kristine, and brother Jim (Sue). He is predeceased by his parents, George and Giselda, his sisters Delores and Kathy and his son Mark.
Donations in Mike’s name may be made to the American Lung Association or The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
I served with Mike in the Marine Corps both in the United States and Vietnam. He was one of the finest Marines that I served with. And on the many patrols that we went on together around Monkey Mountain near Danang I witnessed his bravery more than once.
I looked him up four years ago when I moved to Seattle and had a wonderful lunch with him as we reminisced about Vietnam and how our lives had turned out. He spoke with great love and pride about his family.
Unfortunately a prior commitment keeps me away from the services. However if anyone would like to visit with me a have me speak of the fine memories that I have of Mike just let me know. We could do lunch at your convenience.
And to Mike I say this. I know that you are in a good place where the great mystery is over. And one day I hope to again be serving with you. Semper Fi Mike
In my old age I have taken to memorizing poetry.
This by Robert Lois Stevenson which captures the grace and dignity with which Mike lived his life and faced his death..
Under a wide and starry sky
Dig a grave and let me lie
Glad that I lived and glad that I die.
Now I lay me down with a will.
These are the words he engraved for me
Here I lie where I long to be
Home is the sailor home from the sea
And the hunter home from the sea
This has been a long journey for you. But we had a great time along the way. We had a wonderful family, the boys were great and then here comes those awesome grandchildren.
You did all the right thing to keep yourself going, we had you longer then we should have, and I am so thankful for all the extra time we had.
I will miss miss you so much and I love you so much
Dee
Mike a I were marines , we both did 2 tours in Vietnam. Rest on peace marine . See you at heavens gate someday
You will be so missed by all family and friends.
Proud to call you a friend. A man with pride, morals and compassion. A man who loved with his whole heart and shared with others whenever he could.
You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Tami and Wayne
Love you Mike! Your journey on this earth if over and new exciting life begins with our Father. You’ll live in our hearts.
Mike you will be missed by the Kiel family. You have beena wonderful friend and neighbor. Dee and boys, our hearts go out to you at this time of loss.
Mike, you were one of the good guys. Even though you have crossed over to another realm, you will always shine here through everyone’s hearts. You have touched many lives! Peace be with your soul.