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
Elizabeth and Fred Herrndorf
Kathy Arsenault
I am so sorry to hear of Captain Ted's passing. From our family's to yours, we are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Tita we send you a big, slurpy hug and to all your children...we are here for you.
David Baillargeon
Rita, I’m very sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. I have very fond memories of both Ted and yourself from my teen days in Elm Park. Keep healthy! Dave
Roger Allison YYZ
Ted was a real gentleman to fly with and a great AC Captain. Two memorable trips come to mind with Ted on the B767. Once when he was stricken with “Montezuma’s revenge” on final approach into Frankfurt. About 4 rushed trips to the loo, and barely made in back in time for the landing.
On a Manchester layover we took a train out of town and hiked up some serious hills. Got lost in 0/0 fog and thought we’d have to spend the night in a sheep shelter. Wandered around for hours and finally found a road. That’s the best beer we’ve ever had afterwards.
RIP Ted…..you lived a great life.
Don McKay
I am saddened by Ted's passing - a friend & colleague for many years.
RIP in Peace on your Flight West - Don
Richard Umpherson
Please accept my sincerest condolences. I always enjoyed my flying time with Ted, he was a true professional. I especially remember our London layovers when he took the whole crew on the pub tours of east London, complete with a history lesson of each establishment.
David Edward
Rita and family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband and father. I worked with Ted many times and always admired his professionalism and pride in his aviation career. I hope that your loss will be softened by the good memories you have of the good times together.
Charlie Simpson
Rita, my sincere sympathy for your loss. Ted was one of the
Best, and he gave every objective more than 100 per cent.
I have lost an old friend. God bless.
Charlie
John Neroutsos
Rita, Mary and I were saddened to hear of Ted’s passing. We extend sincere condolences to you and the family. Although our paths have not crossed since our move out west, our thoughts go back to the great times we had together in Montreal.
Rosemary Forrest
Dear Rita and family, I am so srry to have just learned of Ted's passing - here we are - four months later. It's hard to believe that the voice of Ted has been stilled , as he lived life to the full and enjoyed every moment...I'm sure leaving you and the family with memories that will be recounted time after time. Rita, I send you and yours my deepest sympathy.
Ted was the great basket Ball Coach, who made a team from very poor material at the Royal Naval College at Greenwich, England. We enjoyed your warm friendship over many years. Our heart felt condolences to Rita and family,