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WHITE, JON MANCHIP - age 89, of Knoxville, native of Cardiff Wales and a U.S. citizen by choice, died peacefully at home with his Knoxville family on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. His education at Cambridge University was interrupted by the war, during which he served in the Royal Navy and Welsh Guards. He resumed his studies at Cambridge after and earned three degrees. He was recruited by MI5 for a short while after which he landed at the BBC. Jon was a prolific writer, the author of over 30 books and many plays, poems and film scripts. He was also a respected and much loved academic and Man of Letters. When he first came to the U.S., he was "Writer in Residence" at the University of Texas at El Paso. Then he was offered the prestigious Lindsey Young Chair of English at the University of Tennessee, where he taught for over 20 years. At both schools he originated their fine and enduring 'creative writing' programs. He retired as professor emeritus and member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was also a man of great charm, wit and kindness. He wrote and published up until his death. He is survived by daughter, Rhiannon White Kirkpatrick; son-in-law, Robert Kirkpatrick; and grandson, Evan Kirkpatrick, all of Knoxville, who would like to sincerely thank all our dear friends who helped and cheered him during his long illness. His daughter, Bronwen White, of San Antonio, Texas, and grandson, Tony White, of Metairie, Louisiana, will also miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by 18 years by his beloved wife of 49 years, Valerie Leighton White, also a native of Wales. For many years Patricia Carter-Zagorsky, also of the University of Tennessee, has been his long time friend and traveling companion. A memorial is planned and will be announced at a later date. If you would like to read more about his life and works please visit this webpage http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Manchip_White . Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com.
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I would like to also send my condolences to the family of my former professor, Jon Manchip White. He certainly was a very kind man and he was extremely interesting and knowledgeable professor. I could have listened to his career tales for weeks on end. I feel very lucky to have lucked into his classroom!
Chris Durman
August 13, 2013
We will always miss Jon, and are full of admiration for Rhiannon, Rob and Evan for the care they gave him. We have Jon's books which are a consolation, and his ideas and fresh visions of the Southwest, in particular, accompany us every day. Our hearts and our respect are with you.
John and Helen Stockdale
August 7, 2013
Jon's family must know that he has a formidable legacy of friends -- colleagues far and near, distinguished and undistinguished; students, readers, beneficiaries all of his enormous generosity of spirit and catholicity of interests. Connie and Linda and I were greatly privileged to be among these admirers. Our lives will be forever enriched by his company and by his work.
Our deepest condolences and gratitude go out to the loving family who saw to his care during these last months and weeks. Ralph and Linda Norman
August 4, 2013
I met Mr. White and his wife when I was a teenager and became friends with his grandson Tony. I spent a lot of time at their place on Cherokee Bluff. He was a very kind man with the patience of a saint. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Hanson Tipton
August 2, 2013
I just read about Professor White's passing. Until the shock fades, all I can say is that my life is better for having known him. The world has lost an important voice.
William Kirkpatrick
August 2, 2013
How strange that I should "google" Jon Manchip White's name today just to find he passed away the day before yesterday! I read his book "The Journeying Boy" years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it as it took me back to my own childhood in South Wales.
As he crosses the great divide, I hope this brings a sense of peace to his loved ones:
The Ship
I am standing on the shore as a great ship gently glides
from the harbor and sails toward the horizon.
She is beautiful.
Sails billowing, shining as bright as sunlight sparkling on distant waters.
She grows smaller and smaller until at last,
her white sails shine as ribbons out where the sky and water mingle as one.
And as I watch, a voice behind me says,
"Well, she's gone!"
She's gone. Gone?
"No," I tell myself. No, she is not really gone. Not really!
She is gone only in the sense that I can no longer see her.
In reality, she is the same as ever; just as beautiful; just as shining!
And deep in my heart I know, that on another shore someone is crying out,
"Look! Look everyone! Here she comes!"
~Author Unknown
Karin John
August 2, 2013
Rhiannon, I am so very sorry to read of your father's passing. May God give you and your family comfort and peace during this time.
Ginger Cameron
August 2, 2013
I studied under Dr. White at UT in the 1980's, and there's a copy of "Death by Dreaming" on my bookshelf. He was funny, sweet, smart and a gentleman. I'll always think fondly of him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Susan Kelly
August 2, 2013
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