Ron Parker White II

On May 29, 2017, Ronald Parker White II passed away surrounded by his loving family. Ronnie was 54 years old. Ronnie fought a brave fight against colon cancer for the last 8 months.

 

Ronnie, the baby of four children, was born on July 9, 1962 to Ronald and Jean White in Sedro Woolley, WA.

 

Ronnie attended public schools in Mount Vernon. In 1976 Ronnie moved to Oregon with his father. Ronnie graduated from Phoenix High School in 1981. He then attended Oregon Community College in Ashland, OR. Ronnie returned to Skagit Valley in 1982. Ronnie had stayed in contact with many friends in Mount Vernon, and has been very active with all of the Mount Vernon High School’s class of 1981’s reunions.

 

Ronnie was a hard worker and had a great work ethic. Locally he worked at Stewart’s Family Grocery in downtown Mount Vernon. He then went to work at Sound Beverage as a salesman. The owner, Ellis Tofte once said “I wish I could clone Ronnie into all my sales staff.” Ronnie was a successful salesman at Sound for 20 years. While still working at Sound Beverage, Ronnie started selling cars for Dwayne Lanes of Arlington on evenings and weekends. Tom Simmons, a co-worker at Dwayne Lanes said “No one could out sell Ron White!” Ronnie sold cars for 5 years. In 2006 Ronnie left Sound Beverage and Dwayne Lanes to buy Gene’s Pub in Burlington, WA. His relationship with Gene had grown over the years and the plan to buy the pub from Gene was carried out. Ronnie was very active with his business, from doing his own janitorial work, to tending bar. Gene’s (Ron’s) Pub flourished with all of Ronnie’s hard work.

 

Ronnie’s friendly and loving personality was evident all the time. They say as we get older our circle gets smaller… Ronnie’s continued to grow. Ronnie respected his customers and they loved him. Gene’s Pub is a place to gather, socialize, and solve the world’s problems. There were uncountable birthday parties, Seahawk game day pot lucks, and just hanging out with friends at Gene’s Pub. “The Gene’s Pub Family” has been very supportive and loving throughout Ronnie’s health issues. With the help of Trina, Julie, Lisa, and the rest of Gene’s staff, Ron’s business has continued to stay open. They truly love Ronnie and he loved them back.

 

Ronnie was involved in many charities. For years he would help run the Eagles Club annual charity golf tourney. Ronnie was also very supportive of the Burlington Kiwanis golf tourney. Recently, as sick as Ronnie was, he still donated a large wagon full of adult beverages for their fundraiser.

 

Ronnie sponsored many sports teams over the years, from little league baseball and soccer, to adult softball teams. Ronnie was an athlete all his life and wanted to give back to the sports he loved. Ronnie played competitive softball and competed in 7 National Championship tourneys. His nickname on the field was “Noodle” He was smaller, but could run real fast. He looked like a noodle. Ronnie’s strong right arm was feared by many base runners.

 

Ronnie loved coaching youth sports. His knowledge of the games has been passed down through a whole generation. Ronnie is still referred to as “Coach” by many young men and women in Skagit Valley. He coached his son Austin’s little league team and basketball team. His nephews, Brant Devin, and Trevor, were also coached by Ronnie. When Riley and Madison became old enough, Ronnie dedicated time and love to coaching their baseball and basketball teams. His passion to coach the Valley’s youth was second to none. Basketball and baseball were his most loved sports. Valley Electric has some ex-players that still play softball and credit Ronnie’s skills training to a large part of their success. Some of Ronnie’s ex-players are now coaching their children the same skills and love of the game that Ronnie passed on to them.

 

When a youth basketball league was short coaches, Ronnie stepped up to coach two teams at the same time. When they played each other it was fun to watch Ronnie strategize against himself with both teams. It was a great game.

 

Ronnie enjoyed family and friends. They were one and the same to him. Nothing was more important. Ronnie was always up for a good time. He and Patty’s house at Big Lake became a gathering place for fun and laughter. Ronnie’s ability to host and entertain was fantastic. It almost seemed like there was three of him. One minute he was grilling burgers, the next minute he was taking folks out for boat rides, and you would blink again, and he was helping build a fire, and then he was walking you out to your car saying goodnight. He loved sharing what he had with the people he loved.

 

Ron loved playing in local golf tournaments with his brother Mark. They were known as the twin golfers with their coordinated bright shirts. Ronnie once started out a golf tourney with a “hole in one.” Another foursome was waiting to tee off and witnessed the shot. After all the cheering and high fives, Ronnie said, “I’m glad we had witnesses because no one would believe us”.

 

Ronnie enjoyed his “Softball Family.” He played the game he loved up until his diagnosis. Getting together after games, at Gene’s Pub was always looked forward to, win or lose.

 

Ronnie and Patty have three children, Austin, Riley and Madison. He loved his kids with all his heart. He was a great provider and made sure they were always taken care of. The Valentines Day Father Daughter dances were the best. Prime rib at Max Dale’s was always on the menu. Austin is a wonderful son. He has, and continues to help around the house. Austin’s work ethic and ease to help out is a credit to Ronnie and Austin’s love for each other.

 

Ron was an active member of the Eagles Club.

 

Ron is survived by:

Patty White (wife) Austin Smith (son) Riley (daughter) Madison (daughter)

Jean Albert (mother) Velma Gardner (step-mother)

Siblings, Lynn (Duane) Henson, Mount Vernon, Paula (Ken) McQuade, Bristol, UK, Mark (Ann) White, Mount Vernon, Andrea White (Brad Raspet), Mount Vernon

Sarah Anderson (mother in law)

Barbara Otis (sister in law) Steven Anderson (Becky Vaughn) brother in law, Lisa Dalton

Nieces, Miranda White, Emily White, Morgan White, Taylor White, Chelsea Cornwell (Joe Garcia), Nicole Otis, Desirae Storrer (Travis), Kaylee Anderson, Felicity McQuade, Angela Trimnell McQuade (Gary), Charlotte McQuade, Roseanne McQuade, Izzy McQuade and Sara McQuade

Nephews, Mark White, Jr (Leianna Ashcraft), Gabe White, Brant Chase Schwahn (Tyler), Trevor Henson, Devin Cornwell, Josh Otis (Alyssa), Stewart McQuade, Matthew McQuade, Michael McQuade, Andrew McQuade, and Conor McQuade.

Numerous great nieces and nephews

 

 

Ronnie was preceded in death by:

Ronald Parker White Sr. (Father)

Bruce Albert (Step Father)

Garrett Parker Chase (Nephew)

Robert and Doris White, Russell and Evelyn White

Jack and June Willoughby (Aunts and Uncles)

 

Predeceased by Grandparents

 

The Family would like to thank all the Skagit Valley and University of Washington’s hospital staff. Your care for Ronnie was loving and heartfelt.

Thank you

 

Ronnie asks to be remembered as a Loving Son, Brother, Husband, Father, and Friend. He loved life and all those around him. He fought as hard and long as he could to live. Ronnie is now in the arms of Jesus.

 

All arrangements are being handled by Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park on College Way, Mount Vernon.

 

Viewing for final goodbyes will be Monday, June 5, 2017 from 12pm till 6pm.

 

Ronnie’s Memorial Service will be Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at His Place Church at 1pm. 1480 S. Burlington Blvd. Burlington WA, 98233. There will be a reception following Ron’s service.

 

In lieu of Flowers, please make a memorial donation in Ronnie’s name to the Mount Vernon Y.M.C.A.

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