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BORN
1939
DIED
2017
Bill White Obituary
Born Aug. 26, 1939, in Toronto, White entered the NHL relatively late, at age 28. His professional career started in 1959, first in minor league hockey. After the 1967 expansion of the NHL, White was picked up by the Los Angeles Kings. He led the Kings in scoring during his first two full years with the team.
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In 1969, the Chicago Black Hawks, as the team was known then, acquired White from the Kings in a trade. He remained with the Hawks for the rest of his career. White and Pat Stapleton, a rushing defensive player for the Black Hawks, dominated on defense during the 1970s.
White averaged nearly 30 assists per season in his five full seasons with the Hawks. During that time, he was named to the NHL's Second All-Star defensive squad in 1972, 1973, and 1974. Between 1969 and 1974, White was named to play in the All-Star Game for six consecutive seasons.
White retired in 1976 after sustaining a neck injury.
His NHL career statistics include 50 goals, 215 assists, and 265 points in 604 games. Although White played just six full seasons with the Black Hawks, he was among the team's top five defensive scorers of all time when he retired.
66 Entries
Gary
July 9, 2025
Played defense in the N.H.L. the way it was meant to be played. Have been a Blackhawk fan all of my life and he is my all time favorite. Still wear my #2 Blackhawk jersey with pride.
Steve Towne
May 2, 2021
Dear Mrs. White and daughters, Kim, Cary , Kristen and Cortney.
I think about your dad once in a while. He was my first adult friend. I taught him photography when I was 15. I just found out about his passing. I told my sons about him and how he made an ice skating rink in your yard. He helped me make one in my yard. My sons made one in my yard several years ago. When it melted, the water seeped under my concrete patio. It caused it to heave. This summer I am going to break it all up. Luckily, my sons are very big and strong.
I hope this note finds its way to you.
My sympathy and warmest regards to all of you,
Steve Towne
Hawk fan
February 14, 2019
Even though I was under 10 back in the 60's and didn't know details of the game, I remember Bill being noted as a solid defensive player. Bill and those Hawks players are part of special memories.
John Edwards
May 29, 2018
I met Bill at Public School.We were 10 years old.We became friends that lasted a lifetime.
Were members at Balmy Beach Club and had many laughs together.His brother Gord was involved in me playing Rugby.I will miss Bill and his humor.My sincere condolences to the Family
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Donna Borden
August 30, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the White Family I never met Mr. White in person but I did speak with him a couple times on the phone he was a very nice man, I found out that we are related through my Grandmother and he was more then willing to help me fill in some of the missing info he was very gracious, he will be missed.
Beverley Grice
June 18, 2017
My sincerest condolences to Kam and family. I remember the first time I met Bill. It was at a school event and you were so excited about your dad and me meeting. You insisted on him giving me his autograph. To this day I carry it in my wallet, not because he was one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates, but because you were always my favorite student.
Remember all the good times with your dad, and I'm sure there were many.
Ian Chisholm
June 8, 2017
We knew Bill from the Balmy Beach Club. We were also neighbours when Bill and family lived on Balsam Ave. in the 1970's. Bill was always fun to be around - kind and with that quirky sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye.
Deep condolences and best wishes to the family.
Ian & Catherine Chisholm
Paddy
June 2, 2017
Even though we had been out of touch for a number of years, I still considered Bill to be a friend, based on all the memories from when we were young and newly starting out in our lives. I was very upset to hear of his death. He was always a great guy, very unassuming and a good, good friend. I will miss knowing that he's still around.
All my sympathies to his family at this time.
Alfred Siu
June 1, 2017
RIP! What a nice guy I met....
May 27, 2017
I am saddened by the news of Bill White's passing. He was a kind and charismatic man. RIP.
Robert Wilson
May 27, 2017
Played hockey with Bill and against him from PeeWee right up to JrA he played defence the way it was played back then and was tough to beat. RIP Bill
Victoria
May 27, 2017
I am very sorry to the friends and family for the loss. Soon there will come a time when we will never have to grieve the loss of a loved one in death ever again. Ps 37:9-11
Sonia
May 26, 2017
I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of Bill White. He was a sweet funny man and I will have fond memories working with him. My deepest sympathy to the White family. My prayers are with you. RIP Bill
Sonia
May 25, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
May 25, 2017
Truly saddened to hear about Bill White. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! (Luke23:43)
Joseph Bruno
May 25, 2017
Our condolences to the White family. Playing ice
hockey in high school in the early seventies the
great defensive team of Bill & Whitey Stapelton were epic moments in our lives. We had the good fortune of meeting our defensive line heroes after a winning home game. It was thrilling.
We tried to mirror their style of play when we played at the old Rainbow Ice Rink on Clark Street.
The NHL & Blackhawks have lost a legend. They were some of the best times of our lives. We
always appreciated when Bill would talk to young
fans & especially high school hockey players.
RIP Bill. Thank you.
The Doctor, Bro Mo & Joe B.
Cliff Thorburn
May 25, 2017
Bill was a kind and gentle man. I always looked forward to seeing him at a sports dinner or golf tournament where I would shake hands with those "big mitts" catch up and have a laugh!
Proud to call "one of the greats" a friend.
My condolences to his family
David Maye
May 24, 2017
So sorry to hear of Bills passing. I have always been a Chicago BlackHawk fan and he was one of the best. He played so strong against The Russians in the 70s. My condolances to his family. We will never forget number 2.
Greg Holosko
May 24, 2017
Every time we met I would greet him by saying "Hello Mr. White" his response "Greg my father was Mr. White. You will be missed by all.
elayne acton
May 24, 2017
Condolences to Kam and Family. Take comfort in all your Great Memories and Happy Times together. Your Dad was a wonderful man and Bob and I will miss him
Peace and Blessings . Bob and Elayne Acton
May 24, 2017
My brother Pete Jones and I worked at the Tam O'Shanter hockey school as off-ice counselors in the late '60's.Bill was one of the on-ice instructors along with Pat Quinn and Pete Mahovlich and others. While he was 10 years older than us and already a budding star he was great with us and with the kids.Condolences to the family!
The Seward Family
May 24, 2017
Deepest condolences.
Janette Morrison
May 24, 2017
Rest in Peace Mr. White ... Sincere condolences to the family.
Robert Piechowski
May 24, 2017
I'm reading great person, GREAT defense man.
Steve and Raylene Nannos
May 23, 2017
Our deepest sympathy for your great loss. Bill and Pat came to Cape Breton for our Vincey Ryan Tournament some years ago and were true gentlemen and left us with fawn memories.
Deborah Prince
May 23, 2017
My family are truly sorry for your family's loss. I always enjoyed talking with Bill when he attended Kam's and my son's hockey games. here in Toronto. Bill was a very kind person and a cheerful way about him. We talked about his work and some of the people we knew from Northern Ontario.
Judy Tapp
May 23, 2017
Sending heartfelt condolences to you Dianne and your family.
Steven Chreston
May 23, 2017
A truly beautiful human being ; he was the nicest man to my twin sons. (We shared business space at Armco Agencies). A gentle giant with a handshake that could crush and a smile that would melt. A huge loss. A hero that was self deprecating and would rather give all the credit to others. I stand in silence with maximum respect Mr. White.
Frank D'Agostino
May 23, 2017
To the White Family. Bill was one of the classiest men I ever met. He always put a smile on my face. He will be greatly missed. I already miss him. With sincere and deepest condolences, Frank D'Agostino
Anna Edwards
May 23, 2017
I will always remember your Bill, Dianne, with the kindness he showed Chloe. With sadness for your loss.
Cherie Daly
May 23, 2017
I would like to express my sadness at Bill's sudden passing, and sympathy to his wife, Dianne.
Ian McConvey
May 23, 2017
Bill, I so enjoyed sitting with you at many of the Balmy Beach Rugby Alumni dinners. Despite your great athletic successes in hockey and paddling, you were always humble and unassuming. We all will miss your presence at the Club and I express my sincere condolences to your family.
Sharon & Gary O'Neil
May 23, 2017
Dianne, we are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Bill.
Harry Wilson
May 23, 2017
Bill was Canada's outstanding canoeist at 15(!), Toronto Sailing Canoe Club. Not bad at hockey either... Neighbours on Balsam Ave for years and fellow Danforth Tech'ers. Sadly missed.
Maridell Markison
May 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bill White.
I have so many wonderful memories of Bill and his family when they rented a home in Park Ridge during the hockey season.
I'll remember Bill with a grin on his face and a wonderful family man.
Happy to have known Bill even for a short time!
O'Donnell Family
May 23, 2017
Thoughts and prayers are with the White family at this difficult time. May Bill Rest in Peace.
Debbie Jackson
May 23, 2017
Bill was a wonderful man and a loving husband to my friend Dianne. They are both very dear friend's of mine.
Jim Mossman
May 23, 2017
Wonderful athlete of course for hockey but my memories are from the balmy beach canoe club
I Remember him fondly
Jim Mossman
G
May 23, 2017
I'm sorry for the family's loss. There are no words that any one could say at this difficult time. It's times like these when the loving promises of our heavenly Father can bring us comfort and can soften some of the pain we feel in our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 4:13,14) May God grant you guidance, strength and peace during your time of sorrow.
Claire Labossiere
May 23, 2017
Great memories of the playing days in Los Angeles. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Gordon and Claire Labossiere
Rose Duodu
May 23, 2017
Condolences to the family of Bill White. May he Rest in Peace. John 5:28
Jack Fletcher
May 23, 2017
Very fond memories of Bill growing up on Alton Ave. in Toronto. Boyhood pranks and all his skills as an athlete will always be remembered. Thanks for the memories. God bless.
S. Hill
May 23, 2017
My condolences for your loss. May God soften your grief during this difficult time. Please be comforted in knowing how precious your loved one is in God's eyes. Psalms 116:15
May 23, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. Please take comfort from these words at Reveltion 21:3,4.
sue baker
May 23, 2017
A great gentle bear of a man. I will miss you Bill.
May 22, 2017
The expansion Los Angeles Kings were the focus of some of my earliest, and fondest, NHL memories. Bill was one of my favorite players, and I remember the pride and joy when he represented the team in the 1969 All-Star game.
Bill was an excellent defenseman, and I am so glad to hear that he was also a wonderful person. Rest In Peace.
Leo Anso
May 22, 2017
A kind humble gentleman. Diane our thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time
shane parker
May 22, 2017
Bill raised one great young man in Kam. Thoughts are with his beloved family. what a tremendous life.
MV
May 22, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family and know that God keeps in his memory all those who die because they are precious in his eyes. (Psalm 116:15).
christian
May 22, 2017
My deepest condolences for your loss. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26
May 22, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Vito Zuccaro
May 22, 2017
So sad to hear the news Mr. White was a great human and wonderful coach I will miss him deeply he taught me so much
Keith Bradley
May 22, 2017
I met Bill when I was 12 yrs old and a new hockey playing camper at Tam O'Shanter Summer Hockey School. Bill was kind and patient with me in his teachings of the greatest sport and I'll never forget how we joked about him speaking with the Kings trading him to my team, the Blackhawks. Then it happened and I was the happiest Blackhawks fan alive. God Bless Bill and his family.
May 22, 2017
Sorry for your loss , may the God of comfort strength yout entire family during this time of deep sorrow , those who pass on God keep in his memory psalms 116:15
John Edwards
May 22, 2017
You are going to be missed Whitey. We met when we were 10 years old and kept that friendship
for all those years. You went on to be an NHL standout. It was fun following your success.
May 22, 2017
To the family of Bill a White, please accept our sincere condolences. We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Bill was an amazing and talented hockey player. I really enjoyed watching him on the ice. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" & "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. (Isaiah 61:1, 2)
May 22, 2017
I sincerely offer my condolences: May you find comfort in knowing that you have the love and support of family and friends help you to gradually recover from your pain.
John Edwards
May 22, 2017
I have lost a good friend We met when we were ten years old. A great athlete who could skate rings around all of us.
Great memories of playing shinny at Greenwood Park. Bill could hit a slap shot from one end of the rink to the other.
I played goal so you can imagine what that was like.
A great guy who has left us to soon.
May 22, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. May you receive the comfort you need to cope at this time.
May 22, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bill White on his passing.The Almighty God will give you peace and comfort during this difficult time of grief Phillipians 4:6&7
Harry Simpson
May 22, 2017
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Adrian Barnette
May 22, 2017
We'll miss you !
May 22, 2017
Condolences to family and friends. May cherished memories and prayers comfort you.
May 22, 2017
May the God of comfort be with Mr White's family and friends at this time of deep sorrow. God love you.
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