Dr. Halbert C. White

Dr. Halbert C. "Hal" White, Ph.D., 86, Boulder, CO. died Jan. 9, 2003. He married Vivian L. Spear, August 1943, in Midland, MI. She preceded him in death in 1989. He married Christine Brock Reinke in 1991, in Boulder, CO. He graduated from Dinuba High School in 1933. He graduated with a BS in Chemistry, 193, and a Doctorate in Organic Chemistry, 1940, both from Stanford University, Palto Alto, CA. He marched in two Rose Bowl Parades as a member of the Stanford band. He went to Midland, MI to work for Dow Chemical Co. in 1940, and spent his entire career working for Dow, including working in Midland from 1940-68. During WWII, he worked on silicone compounds, including one that protected airplane engines from icing in colder weather. Most of his Midland years were spent doing research on amino acids, including methionine, for which Dow built a full-scale production plant at its Western division. The other amino acids were produced in smaller quantities, but they made Dow the World leader in the production of amino acids from about 1950-1965. From 1968 to 1976, he worked for Dow Human Health Division, on pharmaceutical research in Indianapolis. He finished his career with Dow Western Division in Pittsburgh, CA. from 1976-1981. He received 30 patents for new products during his career. Memberships: Mountain View United Methodist Church, Boulder, CO.; American Chemistry Society for 63 years; Boulder Country Club; and Boulder Kiwanis. He was a singer with the Dow male chorus, performing throughout the United States. Survivors: wife Christine White of Boulder, CO.; sons Neil White of Gainesville, FL and Steve White of Armonk, NY.; daughter Pat Smith of Granada Hills, CA.; twin brother Neil White of Palo Alto Hills, CA.; grandchildren Jeff White of Atlanta, GA. and Brian White of Boston, MA. He was preceded in death by his son, David White, in 1988. Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21, at Mountain View United Methodist Church, Boulder, CO. The Reverend Skip Strickland & Deacon Linda Gertenbach of the church will be officiating. Contributions: Charity of the donors choice. All arrangements by M.P. Murphy & Associates.