Raymond and Violet WHITE

WHITE, Raymond and Violet 1928 - 2013 : 1927 - 2013 Of VICTORIA, died peacefully within four days of each other, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, with their family at their sides. Violet (Vi) passed away from complications of influenza and Ray from multiple myeloma and influenza. They were married for 60 wonderful years. Vi was predeceased by her parents, Edvin Johanes Bertlin and Elna Adele Bertlin (nee Borg), who had immigrated to Canada from Finland (Swedish Finns). Ray was predeceased by his parents Henry Parker White and Mary Adeline White (nee McAdam), his sister Jacqueline, brother Robert, and sister-in-law Glenn. Ray was a dignified man of great strength, intelligence, and integrity. He was born in Grace Hospital in Point Grey. He graduated from UBC with a degree in Civil Engineering and subsequently received the designation of Professional Engineer. After their marriage in 1952 Ray and Vi went north to live in B.C. Forest Service camps where Ray was responsible for construction of logging roads and Vi learned to bake delicious pies. Ray later joined the Ministry of Highways, where he remained throughout his career. He had responsibilities in relation to the construction of the Alex Fraser Bridge and the Coquihalla Highway. He retired as Assistant Deputy Minister of Highways in the mid 1980s. An Avid golfer, he was a member of the Uplands Golf Club for 35 years. He was a Rotarian for most of his career and loved to fly, obtaining his pilot's license. He instilled in all his children and grandchildren the importance of education and reaching your potential. Vi was born in Vancouver, B.C. She loved nature and was an avid gardener. She was a virtuoso knitter, producing gorgeous items, including many knit dolls for children in hospital. She loved to paint and produced beautiful artwork which we all cherish. She had a lovely voice and like her own mother, passed a love of music to her children. She was a fabulous cook and could can tomatoes, make various jams, jellies, and relishes, and always made enough to share with us all. She was a member of the Engineers Wives Club, volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels and active in all her children's activities. She was a loving and supportive wife, who ensured the household ran smoothly and we all had delicious meals. Mom loved and nurtured her family. She was in tune with the feelings of those around her and brightened up the day of everyone she encountered. Ray and Vi are survived by four children, Teresa White (Cohn Garnett) of Vancouver, Julie White of Gloucester, Massachusetts, Ken White (Sonia) of Courtenay, and Laura Mudie White (James) of Kelowna. They dearly loved all the grandchildren: Natasha and Walt Mudie, Sophia White and Neil Vokey, Brett Garnett (Shannon), Mathew Garnett (Lori); and four great grand children; Lucas, Madeleine, Kyla, and Sylvie. They are also survived by nephew Dave White (Lena and Kevin) and niece Cheri of Alberta, brother in law Stephen Langer, nephews Bruce, Jeffrey and niece Dianna Langer of Colorado and Dad's golfing buddy Susan Krupanski of Massachusetts. Many thanks to the caring staff at Sunrise Senior Living in Victoria, and to the outstanding nursing staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital, especially on 4 North and 3 South. They made a very difficult time easier to bear with their loving care and support. We will miss our parents very much and will treasure their memory forever. By request, there will be no service. There will be a celebration of their lives held later in the spring or summer. In lieu of flowers, Ray requested donations to Myeloma Canada, and Vi requested donations to the B.C. Children's Hospital or Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (NSMC).