Verdi Ray White

Verdi Ray White 1915 ~ 2008 Verdi Ray White returned peacefully to his Father in Heaven the afternoon of January 24, 2008.He was born on November 21, 1915 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Mahonri Moriancumer White and Mary Dott Stay White, and resided on land settled by his pioneer ancestors. He married Elvira Charlotte Robbins (affectionately known as Pink) on May 28, 1940, in the Salt Lake Temple. Verdi attended the LDS Business College and the University of Utah. He operated an Airport Ground School prior to World War II, and served in the United States Army Air Force. He was a contractor, builder, and businessman. Along with his brother, Woodrow, he built and managed the Bonwood Bowl in Salt Lake. Verdi played the piano by ear. His piano playing helped introduce him to Elvira, enlivened many a family party, and brought joy to countless others he entertained through the years and most recently in senior care centers. Verdi was an exceptional missionary, in part because of his outgoing, fun-loving personality. He served on Temple Square for ten years as well as on several stake missions. Verdi also had a marvelous tenor voice and sang with the Tabernacle Choir for 18 years. In 1955, he and Elvira performed with the choir in several European countries. In 1986-87, they served together as full-time missionaries at the Los Angeles California Temple visitor's center. Verdi loved sports. He was a state champion in bowling and an avid golfer. He also loved taking his children to sporting events at the University of Utah. Additionally, he was hard to beat in his beloved, homegrown card game with its infamous "White rules." He will always be remembered for his extraordinary humor, quick wit, and love for people. The family's last farewell to Verdi has to be "You're looking good!" Verdi is survived by his wife, Elvira; a sister, Marcia Mae Egan; four children: Shirley Anne White Nelson (David), Judy Ray White Mayfield (David) , Verdi Ray White II (Pamela), and Geoffrey Steven White (Julie); 18 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 28, 2008, at the Salt Lake Wilford Stake Center at 1765 East 3080 South, in Salt Lake City at noon. A viewing will be held on Sunday evening from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wilford Stake Center, and one hour prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park at 3401 South Highland Drive. Funeral Directors: Holladay Cottonwood Mortuary.