WILLIAM "BILL" WHITE

1924 - 2011

March 8, 1924 ~ April 16, 2011

William "Bill" White went to heaven to be with his Lord on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon. He was 87.

Born March 8, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan to William and Anna White, the family moved frequently, finally settling for a time in the state of Montana. In 1933 they relocated to Marysville, Washington where Bill graduated from Marysville High School in 1942, enlisted in the United States Navy, and after the war rejoined his father's construction company in Marysville.

Bill married Lois Aanderud, the love of his life, on June 19, 1946 at her parent's home in Everett. The couple relocated to Mount Vernon and in 1950 moved to Burlington. Their first daughter, Valerie, was born that same year and six years later their second daughter, Trudy, was born.

Bill's first line of work in the Skagit County was construction, owning his own dragline shovel. He built many of the dikes on Fir Island as well as other projects in the valley.

In 1950, Bill began his farming career, raising strawberries, raspberries and many other crops. He was also involved in various farming organizations such as Farm Bureau, Farm Crops, Flood Control Board and was selected as Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1964.

In March of 1960, the biggest event in Bill's life took place. His life changed forever after giving his heart to the Lord at a Torrey Johnson crusade in Mount Vernon. He continued to serve the Lord as a dedicated soul winner and witness. He was a member of Citipoint Church in Mount Vernon. He was also a member of Christian Business Men's Committee and Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International.

Bill's passion was to win souls for the Lord and to nurture believers. He had a "Little Bible" ministry, giving small "red" Bibles to many people to explain the plan of salvation and to share the love of God. He also ministered to numerous family members and friends, boldly sharing his faith. He never hesitated to pray for people, no matter the location.

After a fall caused a brain injury in August 2009, Bill resided in hospitals and in Mira Vista Care Center in Mount Vernon until his promotion to heaven to be with his Lord. Bill is our loss and heaven's gain.

Bill is survived by his precious wife, Lois; daughter and son-in-law, Valerie & Rick Grube of Bellingham; daughter, Trudy White of Seattle and many loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 1:00pm at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N. LaVenture Rd., Mount Vernon.

Donation's in Bill's memory may be made to the Assemblies of God World Missions, c/o Citipoint Church, 830 N. 16th St., Mount Vernon, WA 98273, or Hospice of the Northwest, 819 S. 13th St., Mount Vernon, WA 98274.