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BORN
1955
DIED
2018
Big Van Vader Obituary
Vader, born Leon White, died on Monday night. His death was announced on Twitter today by his son, Jesse White.
“It is with a heavy heart to inform everyone that my father, Leon White, passed away on Monday night (6/18/18) at approximately 7:25pm.”
Vader died from pneumonia and had been dealing with congestive heart failure for the past two years.
Vader was one of the top villains in the WWE in the mid to late 1990’s. He was known for his feuds with The Undertaker and Shawn Michaels.
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He was an All-American offensive lineman at the University of Colorado. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams and played center for the team in the 1979 Super Bowl and then had to retire due to a ruptured patella.
He started wrestling in 1985 for the American Wrestling Association, later becoming a star wrestler in Japan.
See Big Van Vader and other wrestling legends in our gallery.
Vader moved to World Championship Wrestling and became the heavyweight champion in 1992.
He became a popular draw in the WWE as a villain and had memorable matches against Kane and The Undertaker. He left the WWE in 1998.
Vader continued to wrestle in Japan and the United States.
We invite you to share condolences for Big Van Vader in his Guest Book.
Memories and Condolences
for Big Van Vader
73 Entries
D T
June 1, 2024
To me VADER will always be THE G.O.A.T. in wrestling. One of my heroes. We miss you VADER.
Dennis Winship
May 12, 2021
I liked his matches with hulk hogan in the wcw. I also liked him when his feud with gorilla mosoon in 1996. Dennis Winship Lynn Massachusetts
Marlin Brown
October 13, 2018
Leon White aka Big Van Vader was an amazing athlete and person. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. I pray that God continues to comfort you.
July 31, 2018
May fond memories stay close to you dear family members. Get together with other family members and share stories of Mr. Vader. May God comfort you.
July 25, 2018
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of a talented man, who will be remembered for his athletic ability. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of mourning.
July 2, 2018
Thank You For Being one of my favorite wrestlers when I was growing up you were a amazing wrestler and a very good heel May your legacy live on in heaven and in the hearts and minds of all the wrestling fans and in mine as well god bless you,your family,friends and loved ones sincerely John Jr From Alabama
CF
June 29, 2018
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Vader family and friends at this difficult time.
June 29, 2018
Sincere condolences to the family, May your hearts be comforted forever as you cope with the loss of your dear loved one. - Philip 4:6,7
June 28, 2018
Thank you so much, Leon White for all you did in your contributions for sports entertainment. You will be forever missed. God bless you, your family and your loved ones from all around the world.
Keenan Copening
June 27, 2018
Vader time is over!!!
#Vader R.I.P You were a big part of my childhood by showing the world what professional wrestling was all about when people was quick to call it fake!!! Sure it is scripted, but the athleticism of it is very real, the world of wrestling not #WWE, but the world is mourning the loss of the mastodon, the Man they call Vader, my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
An Eagle
June 27, 2018
From Bell High School.....we knew you before, loved
you then, miss you now.
Tim Connor
June 27, 2018
Thank you vader for being one of the greatest big men of all time in wrestling. I loved that you played in Superbowl 14 as well. I pray for the white family and I know I will see the big man in heaven again. I loved you my brother.
June 26, 2018
Condolences to the Big Van Vader family. I am so sorry about the passing of your dear loved one. Pray constantly to our Loving and Grand Creator.
June 26, 2018
While words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having our heavenly Father return your dear one to you.
Christian Brown
June 26, 2018
It Will Always Be Vader Time!!! R.I.P BIG GUY
Rio
June 26, 2018
I remember THE BABY BULL still have his flyer. I knew he was special before most. I knew I couldn't be him, so I became a Marine. A loss not soon to be filled one of a kind in every way.
Jason Smark
June 26, 2018
Thank you for everything youve done for the business ill always remember vader my top heel. Rest easy
Tina Pintor
June 25, 2018
Thanks for all the years of memories Vader. R I P now Brother, you've earned it. Say hi to everyone for me.
Eric Hodges
June 25, 2018
Rest easy sir..
June 25, 2018
It was a true blessing to have crossed paths with you sir. You lived a life that only others could dream of.... Rest easy big guy. Job well done
#LongLiveVader
Corina Fletcher
June 25, 2018
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
June 25, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lmb
June 25, 2018
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. Heartfelt condolences are with the family. May God supply the family with endurance and courage each day as needed. Colossians 1:11. May the wonderful memories you shared together bring you brighter days ahead. Deepest sympathy !
JMS
June 25, 2018
May the God of tender mercies and comfort soothe your hearts during this most difficult time
JOYCE ZAHN
June 25, 2018
He was a great man who will be missed by a lot of people. I got to meet him at a wrestling show and he was so nice.
Fred Garvin
June 25, 2018
Probably one of the most athletic and talented big man in the ring. RIP Vader.
fan wcw
June 24, 2018
A crowd favorite and great wrestler rip
GREG KING
June 24, 2018
SHOCKED AND TRULY SADDEN, HE WAS 1 OF A KIND , AND HE WAS 1 OF THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME, WHEN YOU SAW THAT SMOKING HEAD GEAR IN TH RING, ALLL THE FANS KNEW 1 THING, IT WAS INDEED -VADER TIME, R-I-P ,BIG GUY -YOU WILL BE MISSED .
Vicki Godish
June 24, 2018
It time it's time its Vader time RIP Vader
Vicki Godish
June 24, 2018
It time it's time its Vader time RIP Vader
June 23, 2018
Beloveds, truly saddened to hear about Big Van Vader's passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet him in Paradise! Luke23:43
Lisa Weiner
June 23, 2018
To Big Van Vader,
You were a great wrestler WWE . My prayers go to your family. Lisa Weiner
Jonathan Loyacano
June 23, 2018
Sorry to hear of the passing of a fan favorite Vader. I enjoyed his memorable matches and his feuds. Yes he played a villain but he was the type that you would cheer for no matter what. God Bless you and your family and everyone who got the privilege and honor to know him personally and wrestle with him
Christopher Gomez
June 23, 2018
To a wrestling legend, God bless big man !
June 23, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort give you peace and strength during this time of sorrow.
June 22, 2018
Tip my hat to Vader.. A blessing for wrestling fans everywhere. Always alive in our hearts! Wwe time for a tribute show to one of the great ones.
Mitch Obeid
June 22, 2018
Vader, you're my all time favorite wrestler. You inspired me athletically in my youth. Nothing but love for you and you will be sorely missed. Vader time will forever live in our hearts!
jerry stanley
June 22, 2018
ripyouweregreatperformer
June 22, 2018
You're one of my favorite wrestler
Jon Hammond
June 22, 2018
RIP to the Most Athletic Big Man I've ever seen. His Matches against Sting, Hulk Hogan, and The Undertaker are among my favorite rivalries from my Childhood. My thoughts and prayers go out to Leon's family.
Josh Cheney
June 21, 2018
Watched him wrestle basically my whole life I'm so sorry for your lost my thoughts and prayers are with you his family and it's always Vader time
Chris Cazzato
June 21, 2018
Rip. Big man,god bless.sorry for ur loss,way too young
Ana
June 21, 2018
My condolences to all family and friends for the loss of Big Van, may you find comfort in Gods word the bible at Philippines 4:7
Mrs. Stevens
June 21, 2018
My heartfelt sympathy to the Vader family. The death of someone you love so dearly is one of life's greatest tragedies. God understand your pain. He is eager to comfort and soothe your broken heart and crushed spirit. He can give you the wisdom and strength needed to cope with the loss your love one.
Fj
June 21, 2018
My condolences to the family and friends of Big Van Vader.
June 21, 2018
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Harry Simpson
June 21, 2018
Godspeed...
Bonnie Ferguson-Howell
June 21, 2018
Rest In Peace Sir. Thank you for the years you entertained us! Prayers for his family and fans everywhere.
marcia baker
June 21, 2018
Rih one of the greatest a legend
Les Breese
June 21, 2018
10 memorial chimes from the ring bell to honor the memory of a skilled and dynamic wrestler. My condolences to all at this sad and difficult time.
Brian Albany NY
June 21, 2018
What time is it? It's Vader Time. Now it is Rest in Peace Time. Thank you for all the years you entertained us Mr. Baby Bull. I followed your career from the early days in the AWA, through Japan, through WCW and then WWE. A great talent, a great look and an even finer person. Rest well Leon. A life well lived. God Speed.
June 21, 2018
So sorry to hear of Van's passing . He became an icon and a legend. May God Bless and comfort the family..
mark parshley
June 20, 2018
he was a awesome man and i'm sorry for your lost he was awesome in the ring
devon dodson
June 20, 2018
I am sorry to hear of Leon's passing. Lean the ever loving arms of the lord . He will comfort you.
June 20, 2018
Very sorry for the lost of your loved one May God the hearer of prayers comfort you during this difficult time and give you strength. 2 cor. 1:4
Dion Tillmon
June 20, 2018
You were one of my heroes and to me The Greatest Wrestler Of All Time. Thanks for being the best. Rest In Paradise & power and God Speed.
Ms. Sowell
June 20, 2018
The loss of a loved one is never easy. We long for the day when your loved one is resurrected on a beautiful paradise Earth.(Luke24:43). Please accept my sincere condolences.
G M
June 20, 2018
My condolences go out to the friends and family. May the memories shared by his side bring a smile to your face and may Gods promises for the future bring peace to your heart.
Danny Chatham
June 20, 2018
He was one of the best may God bless the family.
LF
June 20, 2018
My condolences to the family on your loss. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time and beyond.
Andrew Joshua Lawless Sr
June 20, 2018
I , Saw U On T.V. On Boy Meets World Giving A Lesson 2 Cory & Shawn About Wrestling ..... & Cory Matthews Never Indeed Missed A Wrestling Match ..... & I , Never Ever Missed Myself When I Was A Little Boy ..... So , Farewell Leon Say , Hey 2 Mr. Hunter 4 Me .... Joshua 6:04 & John 8:32 !!!!!!!
Gorgo Ceegon
June 20, 2018
Van was a formidable opponent in every match, off the mat-a swell guy. RIP Buddy.
James Martin
June 20, 2018
I'm So Sorry To Hear Of Mr. White's Passing.I Really Enjoyed Watching His Fantastic Matches & T.v. Promo's.My Prayers & Thoughts Go Out To The White Family.Rip & Thank You For Sharing Part Of Your Life With Us,The Wrestling Fan's."Good Speed Mr.White Aka "Big Van Vader"
Deryl Banks
June 20, 2018
So sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Your father was an awesome wrestler that I grew up with. He will be truly missed by all who knew him
Trace Price
June 20, 2018
It's always sad for me to hear when a member of the wrestling family passes on, because I was so involved with it in the 80's and 90's. I remember his matches with Ric Flair mostly. RIP Vader. You will be missed by each of us fans.
June 20, 2018
TIME,SPACE AND MATTER,WITH A FEW GOOD LAWS OF PHYSICS THROWN IN.RIP
Showing 1 - 73 of 73 results
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