George Gilbert White

September 11, 1926 - November 02, 2013

George Gilbert White Obituary (Age 87) George was born in his grandmother?s home on September 11, 1926 in Rahway, NJ to his father George White and mother Anna E. Hollingshead. ?Gil? passed away in his own home on November 2, 2013 in Spokane, WA. Gil, an only child, grew up in Rahway, NJ where he was outstanding athlete. He was called ?Whizzer? White for his speed on the basketball court and was also later courted by the then New York Giant?s baseball organization. Gil did not get to attend his high school graduation as he was drafted his senior year into the Army. Instead, his mother walked across the stage to receive his diploma. Gil served with the Seventh Infantry Division in the Pacific Theatre. After his tour of duty, Gil returned to Rahway. There he married the love of his life, Marie Arlene Salvia, on September 4, 1949. Soon after, the couple packed their ?37 Chevy Coupe and drove cross country to La Grande, Oregon so Gil could attend school at Eastern Oregon College. While there, Gil again proved himself a force to be reckoned with on the baseball field. As an outfielder, Gil lead his team in batting, helped coach La Grande?s Junior American Legion baseball team to a first-place victory and was a member of the undefeated, semi-pro Wasco Championship Baseball Club in the Mid-Columbia League. After graduation, Gil and Marie moved to Kennewick, WA where Gil was hired as a Burbank, WA teacher and coach. He coached three years as a grade school coach and four years as head basketball-baseball coach. In 1957-58 his team made the school?s first ever trip to a State B-ball tournament. Gil later accepted a teacher-coaching opportunity at Finley, WA where he again helped students and athletes succeed. Gil enjoyed fishing and pheasant hunting. In 1982, after both Gil and Marie retired, they moved to Spokane to be near grandchildren. Gil took up small woodworking projects and still liked to fish especially with his grandchildren. He and Marie made many a trip to Reno and Vegas, too. In his late seventies, Gil learned to use a computer; he just never quit learning. He continued to have an amazing recall of students he taught throughout the years, stories of the friends he grew up with and for sports and history trivia. In 2012, Gil became a member of Honor Flight, honored for his military service. He and Marie cared for each other for 64 years. Marie passed away September 21 of this year and Gil lost his will to live. Gil is survived by daughter Deb (Dave) Moore, Spokane; son George Thomas White, Kennewick; sister-in-law Joan Salvia of Dennis, MA; brother-in-law Tom Salvia, Brick, NJ; grandchildren, Christopher (Felisha) Patterson, Joseph Patterson, Mary (Tim) Lefkowski, all of Spokane; Michael Patterson, Coeur d?Alene, ID, Angela Fraga and Anthony White, both of Pasco; Michelle White, Kennewick; great-grandchildren Aiden and Sidney, Spokane. The family is especially grateful to neighbors and friends for years of love and concern and to Hospice of Spokane for their help and compassion the last day of his life. A Celebration of Gil?s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2013 (Veteran?s Day) at Heritage Funeral Home. Father Bob McNeese, rector of Bishop White Seminary, officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Inland Northwest Honor Flight organization.