Ronald White believed in a neat lawn, preventative maintenance, the Original Six, long walks, ice cream, and doing the job right. But more than anything, he believed in his family and helping however he could.
Ron died on July 8, almost a year and a half after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 77 years old and an inspiration for his selflessness and his decency.
Born in Ann Arbor on May 7, 1948, Ron grew up running around the north side of town, skating on outdoor rinks, and living an idyllic 1950s childhood. He played varsity hockey at Pioneer High School, graduating in 1966. A few weeks later, he met Diane Wurster and they began a love story that would last the rest of his life. They married on June 12, 1970, barely two months after he returned from a year in Vietnam where he was stationed at U.S. NSA Danang after enlisting in the U.S. Navy Reserve in 1968. He was proud of his service and remained active as a veteran with American Legion Post 176 in Clinton, Michigan.
Ron and Diane had two sons. Ryan was born in 1974 and Andrew in 1978. In 1998, Gӧsta Schindler stayed with Ron and Diane as an exchange student from Germany and joined the family. In 1975, Ron graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in business. He worked in banking and real estate. He spent a few years in the Upper Peninsula working for the landscaping business owned by Diane’s parents, but he found his professional home when he became a certified property manager. Primarily with Wilson White Company and later Oxford Properties he managed an array of residential, campus and commercial properties around Ann Arbor, including the historic Nickels Arcade.
Clients and co-workers could count on his attention to detail, steady hand, and kindness. Ron’s family could count on him always and in every way. When his boys needed hockey or soccer coaches, he stepped up to coach. When they didn’t, he stood behind the net or down a sideline and cheered them on. When they needed a lift, he picked them up. When they laughed, he laughed. All his grandchildren knew was their grandfather’s presence at soccer games, dance recitals, choir concerts, Pom performances, and so many birthday parties.
When Diane went to seminary and became a pastor at the age of 60, Ron proudly went to work as the pastor’s husband, taking on whatever task was necessary, first at Clinton United Church of Christ and then Bethlehem United Church of Christ – where he and Diane were married. A few weeks before he passed, he and Diane celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with family and friends in their backyard.
Ron’s gift was his presence, his ability to be where people needed him to be, which was always also where he wanted to be. He met people where they were and accepted them for who they are. He didn’t seek the spotlight, ever. He simply wanted to help in whatever small way might make things better or easier for someone else.
Ron is survived by his wife Diane, his sons Ryan (April Baer), Andrew (Tera Sky), and Gӧsta; and his four grandchildren, Dominik, Molly, Maggie, and Stella. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Caroline (Rita) and William White and his brothers Daniel and William George White.
Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Bethlehem United Church of Christ, or C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Tuesday, July 15 at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI., 48104. Those unable to attend can stream the service at https://bethlehem-ucc.org/watch/