Daniel James White's Obituary
Daniel James White, 36, passed away unexpectedly in a tragic car accident Saturday, April 11, 2009. Dan was born April 5, 1973, in Muskegon. After graduating from Mona Shores High School in 1991, he attended Hope College and graduated in 1996. He then began his passion of teaching at Mona Shores, spending the last nine years at Campbell School, with previous experience at both Ross Park and Mona Shores Middle School. He was currently teaching in California, while working on his Masters degree, and was excited that he would be returning to Mona Shores to teach in the fall, 2009. He couldn’t wait to be back in West Michigan with his family, friends and students. Teaching and sports were driving forces in Dan’s short life. He lived life to the fullest and never met anyone that didn’t become an instant friend. Dan’s unforgettable smile and big dimples warmed the hearts of all who met him. He gave great hugs. He kept an open mind and nurtured a tender heart. He questioned things, sometimes deeply, but he believed life unfolds exactly as it should. Dan inspired people to live fully, forgive quickly, and cherish each other. Dan loved the outdoors and places of natural beauty, and he traveled around the US extensively. He became a certified wilderness safety instructor and spent the last two summers as a mountain bike instructor at Telluride Academy in Telluride Colorado; a few summers earlier, he instructed and counseled students at Camp Laurel in Maine. He shared his love of mountain biking with scores of students; he worked out and exercised frequently, a passion for fitness fueled by years of playing baseball, basketball, and football. Dan was an avid college basketball and football fan. He always looked forward to the excitement of March Madness and picking his teams. Most football Saturdays would find him in Ann Arbor at Michigan Stadium with his dad, Dan, and many friends cheering on the Wolverines. He also loved music, especially 311 and the Dave Mathews Band, and he attended several concerts with many friends that left lots of lasting memories. As tragic as our loss of Dan is, his incredible spirit lives on through tissue and organ donations that will benefit as many as 50 people - people who will, because of Dan, be able to touch others in ways that he touched us all. Although we will miss him dearly, we will remember him fondly because he taught us so many lessons: believe in ourselves; try a little harder; be a little kinder; give just a little bit more; care for each other; laugh a little louder and have a little fun. Dan leaves behind his parents, Dan & Sherry White of Muskegon, his brother, Paul White (partner Paul Ku) of San Francisco; his sisters Amy (Steve) VerMerris, Diana (Dave) Lamphere of Muskegon; Julie White of Grand Rapids; his nephew Elijah VerMerris, nieces Kennah, Emerson and Keaton VerMerris; Tessa and Emma Lamphere. He also leaves his beloved Maggie Dog, to whom Dan was so devoted, taking her all the way to California with him. Also leaves his special Campbell School Family, and a host of treasured friends, students, aunts, uncles & cousins. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at: The Trillium Banquet and Conference Center, 17246 VanWagner Rd., Spring Lake, 11:00 A.M. Saturday, April 18, 2009. Visitation with family will be held at:
The Lee Chapel -
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
6291 S. Harvey St.
231-798-1100
Friday, 3-5 & 6-8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked any contributions be directed to the D. White Scholarship Fund, c/o Campbell School.
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