OBITUARY
Lester Joseph White
4 May , 1928 – 24 April , 2018
White, Lester Joseph. May 4th 1928 – April 24th 2018. Peacefully while listening to Tony Bennett’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” He leaves behind his three daughters, Marybeth (Richard Summers), Kathleen (Claire Coulber), and Trish (Brian McLean); grandchildren, Heather and Sean Deakin, Rheanna Summers, Kieran Murphy-White, and William McLean. Les was born in New York City, attending St. Bartholomew’s school. He spent nine years as a Cistercian monk while residing in monasteries throughout the United States. During that time he milked cows, made bread, fell in love with Gregorian chants, and honoured his vow of silence. Dad left the monastery, returning to school in order to complete his Masters in Social Work at Hunter College, New York. He met his “true love,” Mary, while both working as councilors at the Catholic Youth Organization camp and married in 1959. He began his career assisting inner city youth in New York City but the call of the southwest led dad to take a position with the Albuquerque Child Guidance Centre. After two years, Les moved his young family to Toronto in 1969 to become the founding Director of the Social Work at St. Michael’s Hospital. He was also adjunct faculty with the University of Toronto’s School of Social Work. In retirement, dad pursued his passion for golfing, wine making, patiently rigging the beautifully crafted tall ships he constructed, feeding the birds, and reading and then re-reading his beloved Thomas Merton books. Although Les frequently extolled the wonderment and joy of growing up in New York City during the 1930s and 1940s he was equally thrilled to have adopted Canada as his home, enthusiastically cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. He is predeceased by his three brothers (James, Robert, and Vincent) and sister (Margaret); Les leaves behind his in-laws Robert and Barbara Heelan, Francis and Ann Heelan, and Isabelle White (all of New York City), his special cousin (Mary Wehrle, Connecticut), numerous nieces and nephews, and his special golf buddies (Roy, Frank, and Mike). Dad was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years, until very recently. His faith in God was his rock and his love was Mary; he has now found both in eternal rest. Visitation will be held at the Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, 905-727-5421 on Sunday April 29th from 2-5pm. A funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15347 Yonge Street, Aurora on Monday April 30th at 10am.Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the White family.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Lester Joseph White 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: aurora, Province: Ontario
