It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frederick Andrew Webster White, or Ted, on the morning of June 1st 2021, while recuperating in hospital. He moved on in one of the best possible ways... painlessly in his sleep, and for this, we are very grateful. Ted was 87 years old.
A small private service will be held at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood Cemetery on Tuesday, 8 June.
Ted was a competitor. At the age of 63, he won the Gold Medal in single sculls rowing at the Amsterdam Cup in the Master’s Class in the Netherlands. Then he continued to kayak, bicycle and mega-tricycle up until he was 86!
Ted was a flyboy. His whole life. He started his career flying jets off aircraft carriers! He flew for the Royal Canadian Navy, and was posted to the Americans and the British navies flying fighter aircraft. He ended his career at the top of the game as a Captain for Air Canada. In 1963, he volunteered as a test subject at the Johnsville Centrifuge, in Pennsylvania, which contributed to medical research for the NASA space program.
Ted was a fighter. In 1977, he was the first commercial airline pilot in the world to be fully reinstated after triple bypass heart surgery. He got himself back in such good shape that he excelled in the Bruce protocol, which was used to measure Olympic athletes. At the age of 49, 7 years after his first heart operation, he completed the Montreal Marathon and finished in the top 25% and a few years later completed the Gatineau Loppet (Keskinada) 35km cross country ski race.
Ted was a coach. He has an ice hockey goalie trophy named after him in the North Shore Hockey League of Montreal for helping to mould the next Ken Drydens.
Ted was a DIY King, and the builder of a magic oasis-patio on which he was the Barbecue Master on so many memorable nights.
He met an amazing flygirl named Rita, who grounded him to create a family who loved him, and whom he loved.
Ted is survived by his wife Rita Olivier White, his three children, Suzanne, Mark and Andrew, his grandchildren, McGregor and Hudson on the West Coast, by Sia and Calvin in Denmark and by his brother Patrick.
We all miss you very much, Ted... Dad... Papa.
Please make any donations to the War Amps of Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Nathalie Chartier
Paul Overvelde
I was blessed to meet Ted through my coaching of the RMC rowing team . He was a shining light that I always looked forward to meeting , especially when he blessed us with his visits at the Head of the Rideau regatta . Listening to him talk to the cadets and myself always brought a smile to my face . Though my experiences with Ted where short , I will always hold him in my heart and prayers .
Kirsten White
I won't lie -I think at times as a young child I was a little afraid of my uncle Ted, but then as I matured I saw how he "played the straight man" to the rest of his family's comedians. Some of my fondest memories as a teen, was having dinner with my cousins, uncle Ted and Tante Rita, and the lively banter that would ensue -monty python zingers in particular flying about. Though Ted might pretend to disapprove -you could always see by the warmth and twinkle in his eye that he loved it.
I can see that very twinkle in every photo posted here. Personally, I do wish I got to see him more with his grandchildren. I bet he was a great papa since he was so devoted to his family. He was certainly a great brother to my father. Hopefully the two of them are somewhere enjoying a pint and swapping stories (the rest of us probably heard one too many times ;).
Finally -though his health was waning it does not lesson the loss. Covid doesn't help when we should all be together raising a glass to a great man, father, husband, papa and uncle. My heart goes out to my beloved tante, Suzanne, Mark, Andrew, Hudson, McGregor, Sia and Calvin. Love Kirsten, xox
Sandra Farrell
Dear Rita and family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Linda Hills
My deepest condolences Aunty Rita, Suzanne, Mark and Andrew. Uncle Ted was a huge part of my childhood, spending Christmases together every year, among many other things our families did together (ball games at Jarry Park, Cape Cod....). I still laugh when I think of him dancing with a chair at Sharen's wedding. He was definitely larger than life, and will leave a big hole in many lives. May his memory be a blessing.
Chris and Darlene Clarke
Rita, Suzanne, Mark, Andrew,
Such a sad day when we heard that Ted had passed. We will miss his great stories and always looked forward to hearing what new adventures he and Suzanne were up too. What a great athlete he was and we’ll always remember him biking and cross country skiing through the neighborhood. I know how much he looked forward when his boys visited and especially his precious grandchildren. We will miss you Ted. Bon Voyage Captain! Much love Darlene and Chris
Biba Tinga
Dear Suzanne,
I am so sorry for the loss of your loving dad.
I prayed for the travel restrictions to end so I can get a chance to meet him. I wanted to tell him that he raised an amazing warrior! I guess it was not meant to happen.
But through our conversations and the stories you've shared about him, I feel as if I've met him, somehow...
I know right now is a trying time and want you to know that I'm here for you - anytime you need me.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Kat and Andrew
To Suzanne, Rita, and the family,
We are sorry for your loss. While we didn't have the chance to get to know Ted very well, the kind of person Suzanne is speaks lots about the kind of dad that he must have been. We're thinking of you all at this difficult time.
PB hugs from Kat and Andrew
Patrick White (the nephew one)
While Uncle Ted usually very serious, I have one memory during which I witnessed him bring out his inner child.
On the way up to the cottage with my father and siblings, we stopped at Uncle Ted and Tante Rita's. While Tante Rita chatted with us through the car windows, Uncle Ted was fixated on a magazine and desperately trying to convince Tante Rita to sell the house so they could live on a boat.
It happened something like this:
Ted: Rita, did you see this? Here, look at this, look at the deck.
Rita: No, Ted.
Ted: But do you see how spacious the cabin is?
Rita: I said no.
Ted: Here, take this and just look at it. Aren't those steps beautiful?
Rita: For the last time, Ted, I am not living on a boat.
Ted: We'll name it Rita!
Dot
Rita, Suzanne, Mark and Andrew - Ted, the Entertainer comes to mind for me - the basement parties, dart games, the Man behind the bar with his wide range of Scotch whiskey and the detailed information to go with each bottle - His strength and compass was Rita. How many times would you hear "Rita, what was that .... ? " His children, his Pride and Concern. He wanted the best for each one of you, your happiness was a large part of that. Another chapter of the Life of Ted was Chiefy Munro and the stories they shared. Thank you, Ted, for being You.
Dear Suzanne,
I did not know your father personally but I can see how he passed on his determination and love of life to you . My thoughts are with you and your family. He might be gone physically but he definitely left his trace. My condolences.