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John White Obituary

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John White

Houston, AK

April 11, 1955 - May 6, 2021

John White Obituary

John peacefully left us for his eternal rest with Our Lord on Thursday, May 6 , 2021. John was born April 11, 1955, in San Antonio, TX to John “Jack” White and Barbara Nelson, from New Lisbon WI. John was known as “Mike” in his large family and was preceded in death by his father “Jack” White. John is survived by Christine “Chris Ed” White and was a loving Dad to their two sons, John Stephen White and Matthew Edward White. He is also survived by his mom, Barbara White and five siblings: Mark Nelson, Teresa White Morton (Tim), Patrick Matthew (Rick), Christopher Luke, Mary White Yancey (John). John’s early education was a National Merit finalist, a full four-year scholarship to Central Catholic HS in TX, placed first in the Tri-State German Symposium (VA area), received written invitation to be interviewed at West Point Academy (John declined). John’s extensive medical career began 1977 at Ft. Sam Houston TX., then Ft. Hood TX and Ft. Richardson as an E-6. He was a Medic, a Senior OR Technician, passed a LPN course, an EMT and AMOS (Acute Medical Outpatient Specialist (99.5% GPA). As an E5, John was placed in positions normally filled by a E-7. His awards in the Army included three Army Commendation medals and two Army Achievement Medals and others. John’s civilian medical career began in 1986 at Alaska Regional Hospital (Humana) as a Certified Surgical Technologist. In this intense field, John was the team leader for all orthopedic surgeries. John was one of a few OR staff who was on the only Retinal/Eye team in Alaska and DaVinci Surgical Robot. John was an outstanding resource with his knowledge and technical skills for all the surgical service’s demands. He was called upon daily by OR staff and surgeons alike to trouble shoot complex problems. John career moved into a Surgical Materials Supervisor position, then as the Operating Room Materials Manager. He was well-respected by staff and surgeons for his job ethics, unique skills, and ability to solve difficult challenges on the fly. John took a hiatus from his medical career in late 2013 to renew his strong Catholic faith at St Anthony's Parish. John was a volunteer first for numerous organizations and events then quickly learned the workings of  St. Anthonys office and became a part-time administrative assistant in 2015. Fr. Fred Bugarin handed over his responsibilities to the current pastor Fr. Vince Blanco and Johns skills prompted Fr. Vince to offer John the Office Manager position. He became instrumental in daily affairs of the parish, while keeping up with changes within the Archdiocese. John’s natural communication abilities helped him guide any community member in steps to become involved in the Church. John always made diverse parishioners and guests at St. Anthony's to feel openly welcomed. With the ongoing public health crisis, John remained dedicated to St. Anthony’s. John  accepted a part-time position so the parish could navigate through the crisis and his beliefs was a cornerstone to do so. St. Anthony’s is eternally grateful for John’s sacrifice he made, while he never viewed working as “just a job. Do take comfort that John applied with his strong faith and was given a permanent position within the House of the Lord. John became a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11558 on March 25, 2015. John served as a Grand Knight for one year, a trustee for three years and a third-Degree Knight. He received a Parish Service Award with helping to renovate an apartment by St. Anthony's. John was reliable to help with monthly pancake breakfasts, being among first to arrive and last to leave. He humbly took on the not so glamorous jobs of keeping coffee cups full or dishes washed. His unique sense of humor kept laughter going through these demanding breakfasts and he also participated in other K of C activities and events. John was the main contact for parish business due to his non-stop availability. John will be missed by all, for his parish and community work and K of C. John will be missed most as our friend who was a kind, gentle, compassionate man and friend to all.  Especially to those who were shunned by others or who just showed up on St. Anthony's steps. Even after John left us, he continued his unselfishness to others by being a Corneal Donor. John’s hobbies were cooking, being a history buff, bad puns, reading, and he thrived on learning new technology. Services will be held on Wednesday day June 9 beginning 12:30 at St Anthony's Catholic Church, 825 South Klevin Street. John’s interment will follow at Ft Richardson. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Anthony's Church.

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Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of John White.