Marvin L White

Marvin L. White, 79, beloved and respected by all, passed away peacefully after a brief illness in St George, Utah, Sunday, December 16, 2012. Born November 11, 1933 to John G. and Hortense Limb White in Beaver, Utah. He worked hard to develop lifelong talents and skills which he utilized in blessing the lives of those around him. The greatest blessing of his life was marrying Phyllis Paice on January 14, 1954, in the St. George Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for time and all eternity. They loved and helped each other for 58 years as together they built a legacy of family, church, country, business, and service. After their marriage, they worked in Beaver, UT until after the addition of a new little one, Calvin. Seeing opportunity in Nevada, they moved to Ely and while working at Kennecott Copper Mine as a heavy equipment operator, the small family added two daughters, Merilyn and Debbie. Marvin was always anxious to improve his situation and saw promise in Las Vegas, so off they went on another adventure. Las Vegas proved to be a time of flourishing for the White family. As Marvin worked at the Nevada Test Site he began to be interested in politics and found success as an Assemblyman, State Representative and eventually Nevada State Senator. During this time he also became self-employed in his own insurance company, Jefferson Standard Life, and they added Rod, Greg, Bev, Jeff and Spencer to the family. Marvin served faithfully in his church and especially loved being in the Stake Presidency. While serving with a core of exceptional men, he developed lifelong friends and great mentors. One among this group was so impressed by Marvin's incredible integrity and work ethic, he offered to go into business with him and together they were able to buy Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises. The catch was that the KFC stores were to be built in the Pacific Northwest. It was an agonizing decision to leave Las Vegas and take their 8 children on an uncharted adventure, but they had faith, hope and confidence and so they packed their bags for Wenatchee, WA. With Marvin's dedicated and nonstop labor and Mom's total support and management of the home-front they began to build a future in the new area and were blessed with another precious daughter, Brenda. Adding Brenda to the family brought the total to 4 active and growing girls and 5 venturesome boys. The family home on Idaho Street was a busy and boisterous dwelling filled with energy, noise and excitement. Marvin's hard work and business savvy began to pay off slowly and with continued effort he built and managed store after store eventually expanding into Montana. Even with difficult health issues plaguing his success, he persisted in growing his businesses and even added other projects that benefited from his support. This included developing a strong Boy Scout of America program in Wenatchee. His efforts, time and direction resulted in building the scout office which the BSA still uses today. Marvin is leaving a legacy rich with love, service, compassion and kindness. Many people who were quietly blessed by his gifts of money, time and support have contacted us and related stories of his thoughtful kindness and generosity. He selflessly blessed lives and didn't allow accolades or recognition as he spread the love of the Savior discretely and liberally to those around him. He will be missed immensely by all who knew him especially his adoring family of 9 children and spouses, 40 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and his devoted sister, Alice. He leaves many loving friends and associates. Some of Marvin's passions were piloting his own plane, being the captain of his own boat and the driver of his own motor-coach. Now he will be free to soar with the wind in his hair the sun on his face and reach new heights lifted by his faith, his confidence and his devotion to his family, his church and His Savior. To view his online guest book go to: www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1621 Maiden Lane, Wenatchee, WA. The funeral will be on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the same building. The interment will take place in the Wenatchee City Cemetery directly after the funeral. Heritage Memorial is in charge of the arrangements in East Wenatchee.

Marvin L White

November 11, 1933 - December 16, 2012