Willie White

He both lived through and helped create some of the best years this country has seen. He will be missed.

Class Mate At Jeff. S56

I'm very sorry to hear about Mr,White passing. He was a Great Man. Very Smart and Very Godly. I was blessed to have met Mr,White. I worked along side of Him while performing and learning the skills of a Homeward Bound Medical Transporter. He was not only my Boss, but a Great Father figure to me.

Once Upon a time, decades ago, my mom (Effie Burgess, eventually Team Mom, eventually Olympic track team chaperone for (2) international events) carried her youngest child (me!) who loved to out run the boys, to a track meet in Mill Valley, CA (I think) This is where I met Coach White, he asked me to run over hurdles in this meet, (for my 1st time! (I was in elementary school then. ) This magical coach had an eye to size a kid up early, give them a challenge and coach them thru their goal. ...

I remember meeting the force known as Willie White when I moved to Oakland in the 80s as a journalist for the Oakland Tribune. Because I was an editorial writer back then, the publisher (Robert Maynard) regularly gave me and the lead editorial writer a list of names of people of influence doing good in the community. I only had the honor of meeting Willie White a few times. I don't remember what we discussed. But, I certainly remember that smile and the ever present glint in his eyes.

I was on the track team (discus), and soccer team at Berkeley High School, '74-'76. Wasn't particularly good at either, but Coach White was always cheerful and encouraging. I enjoyed the experience, and was in awe of our more talented athletes. He knew how to bring out the best in every player. I can still hear him say, "Don't be lackadaisical!" Bless you, Coach White, and godspeed.

Mr White was a mentor who instilled confidence in me to do my best at all times on or off the Track. His mentor ship made me a better parent, coworker, family member in general in every part of my life.

In 72´ and 73, I was in middle school. You encouraged us to try something new, to get out of our comfort zones. I would never have known I could do the 800. Track has taught me to persevere in life& that victory is around the corner if you don´t give up. You told us, just because someone is taller than you does not mean they are faster than you. You taught us to lean in. You were no joke when it came to laps at practice, if you saw us walking you yelled Bryant I see you. This is why we...

I was a member of Coach Willie White's BHS Track team '72 and '73 and BHS Soccer '72-'74. Although Coach projected a booming voice on the field, I remember him for being a coach who did not intimidate, but nurtured, motivated, and encouraged by his warm, engaging demeanor. Even after an unsuccessful event or a loss, he taught us by example to laugh and have fun. My condolences to the family. In particular, I send my love to Coach's sweet daughter Sharon, my fellow BHS '74 classmate. Thank...