Dr. Donal L. White

1923 - 2013

Dr. Donal L. White, a longtime resident of Rancho Bernardo, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2013. Don was born on March 15, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, to Lawrence and Olive White. He served as a medic in World War II's European Theater before returning to the states and obtaining his medical degree from the University of Michigan. Don spent several years in general practice before specializing in psychiatry, and was named assistant chief of psychiatry at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He subsequently practiced in Arizona, and California.
Baseball player, ice skater, and an accomplished tennis player, Don was also a self-taught musician who routinely got feet tapping with both the piano and the clarinet. In particular, Don was a lover of the Big Band era and an avid dancer who was tearing up the rug well into his ninth decade with his wife, Sally, by his side. They enjoyed much together in their 56 years of marriage, including acting and directing in community theater, where Don was president of the Grosse Pointe Theatre; tag teaming the daily New York Times crossword puzzle; and vigorously advocating for and actively supporting animals and animal rights groups throughout the United States. Don was a voracious reader who turned to writing after retirement and published numerous books, for both children and adults.
Don was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; his four children, Karen (Rick) Garibaldi, Alan (Quynh) White, Dorian (Bill) Sailer, and Tracy (Mike) Villano; and ten grandchildren. Don will be particularly missed by his loyal companions, Bear and Ebony.
A private family celebration of Don's life will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Escondido Humane Society, 3450 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92027.