Harold Kenneth White

Harold Kenneth White, age 98, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024. 

Harold was born on November 14, 1925, in Lashburn, Saskatchewan, Canada to Harold and Esther (Wright) White. 

Growing up in the Canadian Prairies, Harold enjoyed the rural life and all it entailed. He moved west to Vancouver to find work and live with relatives. In 1944 he enlisted in the US Navy, served in WWII in the Pacific, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He moved to Bellingham to live with his uncle, Fred Hope, wife Blanche, and family. While in Bellingham, Harold met Laura Mae Storey, and they were married in 1948.

Harold began a long career at Diehl Ford, initially as a mechanic in 1948, and retired as Service Manager in 1991. He was an amazing people person, making lasting friendships with coworkers as well as customers.

After retirement, Harold remained as active as ever, often spending his time at the Everson Auction Market, or lending a hand at Joe and Cora's U-Cut Christmas Trees. His adventurous spirit led him to explore new places, fulfilling dreams of visiting the Grand Ole Opry, the Calgary Stampede, and embarking on trips to Mexico, Australia, Hawaii, and even returning home to Saskatchewan. He had a deep love for nature and spent much of his time on his farm tending to his animals – horses, cows, and chickens – on his property in Bellingham and Whatcom County. 

Family was always at the core of Harold's life. Together with Laura, they created a family that was one of Harold’s greatest sources of pride and joy. More than anything, he cherished the moments spent surrounded by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Whether he was teaching them to ride horses, attending sporting events, camping out on deer hunts, fishing, or gathering for holiday celebrations, Harold's love for his family was evident in everything he did, and those memories will be treasured forever. 

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Esther White, wife, Laura White, brother, Willis White, and sisters Marjorie Wesson and Muriel Campbell. 

He is survived by his daughters, Linda (Greg) Cowan, Judy (Ty) Rick, and Joan Donaldson; his grandchildren, Jamie Cowan, Kim (Cowan) Lovaas (Jimmy), Holly (Colwell) Whitney (Glenn), Kyle Rick (Erin), Tyson Colwell (Kris), Elisha Rick, and Christopher Donaldson (Kelsey); great-grandchildren Jordan, Sam, Tilley, Nate, Myra, and Stetson; and quite an extended family. 

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway, Bellingham, WA. 

Harold will be remembered for his kindness, service to others, and the love he shared with everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.