Larry Ervin White

1941 - 2024

On Sept. 8, 2024, SMSgt Larry E. White, United States Air Force Retired, took his last breath following a long, difficult battle with cancer. He was surrounded by multiple generations of family at home, where he entered the great beyond on his terms, just as he wanted. Being a man of many words, (and almost always the last word) he's chosen to say farewell in his own unique way, writing his own obituary to say farewell to his family and many friends made during his fifty-plus years in interior Alaska. What follows, as his friends would know, is Larry at his best.


TRACTOR FOR SALE - OWNER DEPARTED
Larry Ervin White
July 2, 1941 – Sept. 8, 2024
The following is but a small part of that dash between those dates. Born in Oshkosh, (B'Gosh) Wisconsin on my mother's birthday, (Happy Birthday mom!) Blessed to be born into a family that practiced family values, hard work, independence, heritage and love. Graduated Wausau High School in 1959. After a brief stint in the US Marine Corps Reserve in 1958, I transferred to the US Air Force in 1959.
In 1960 I married my high school sweetheart, Sharon Kroeplin (and what a catch she was, sticking with me for the next 64 years). I had the good fortune to father three children, Bryan Shayne (Maew) White, Carrie Lynn (Robert) Jordan and Sean Patrick White. I was further blessed with six grandchildren, Thomas and Katie Bea (White), Alex and Rachel (Jordan), and Taryn and Fiona (White). A perfect child, each of them, and the greatest joys of my life.
I staked my tent in many places, such as, San Antonio, Texas; Columbus, Indiana; Phoenix, Arizona; Sacramento, California and finally in 1974, North Pole, Alaska ("Yes, we'll camp here!" for you Rooster Cogburn fans). Here we made our home, and here we stayed. In 1976 I started L.E. White & Sons, Master Engravers, learning and then teaching the kids to engrave Alaska animals on Buck knives. Since every member of my family worked in the business in some fashion, we renamed the enterprise "Atta-Boy Awards" which continues today 48 years later with the second and third generation carrying on the family business.
I retired from the Air Force in 1981, at Eielson AFB, Alaska, having experienced many roles but enjoyed being a squadron First Sergeant most of all. The military introduced me to many life-long friends, a life of service with a noble purpose, and eternal gratitude for those willing to put on the uniform for their country. Retiring from the Awards business in 1998 gave Sharon and I time to travel a bit, see the world, put some miles on the motorhome, and constantly remind ourselves that we live in the most beautiful place on earth.
I volunteered my meager talents and abilities to far too many activities and causes to list or that really matter. Of note, my time spent on the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board as the first Enlisted Military delegate and my terms on the North Pole City Council were memorable, to say the least. What is relevant is that we all possess gifts that beg to be shared, and those who step forward and step up are the ones that make all the difference in this world.
So, I've given you a thumbnail sketch of that dash between the dates. I have lived well, loved greatly, laughed heartily, and experienced a life rich in friendships and experiences. On that note, I guess you could say "I sold the farm." I'd like to leave you with this: They say one of life's most arduous tasks is writing an obituary. Second only to delivering the eulogy. Which is kind of funny when you think about it. For, if most people fear public speaking more than death, then maybe you're better off being the guy in the coffin than the one delivering the eulogy.
I endeavored to spare the ones I love most both of these tasks. I ask not for a funeral or parade, no tears or sadness, just to remember me with a smile, an act of kindness, or a good joke told with gusto.
Farewell all,
Larry.

There will be a celebration of life for Larry at 3 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2024, at the North Pole Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW post 10009), 3159 VFW St, North Pole. Please come, and bring a good joke to share!