Steven Rocky White's Obituary
Steven Rocky White, age 64, of Grand Haven passed away unexpectedly at Mackinac Straits Hospital, on Monday, May 21, 2018. He was born in Muskegon to Lyle “Whitey” and Kathleen (Mendel) White, and married the former Raynel Nelson on May 19, 1979.
Steve began snow skiing at the age of five, and started performing at the age of seven, as a saucer skier in the Whitey White Water Ski Show. He was an Eagle Scout. Steve was involved in the rescue of four people washed off the Grand Haven pier the night the Edmund Fitzgerald sank. He was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Gold Lifesaving Medal for his involvement that night. He has surfed in Grand Haven, Mexico, California, and North Carolina. He attended Grand Valley State University majoring in physical fitness. Steve worked at many locations in Grand Haven, Grand Haven Brass Foundry, YMCA and Ottawa County Parks and Recreation. He graduated from Grand Haven High School where he was an All-State swimmer and football player.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Raynel White of Grand Haven; son Joshua (Kimber) White of Grand Haven; three grandchildren: Draven, Mya and Jack White; his parents Lyle “Whitey” (Kathy) White of Grand Haven; in-laws, Ray (Barb) Nelson of Grand Haven; his brother, Joe White of Grand Haven; 2 brothers-in-law, Kevin Nelson of Lexington, KY and Dennis Nelson of Grand Haven. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Dorothy “Dottie” Nelson.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services – The VanZantwick Chapel with Rev. Jill VanderWal officiating. Friends may meet the family from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, at The VanZantwick Chapel. Interment will be in Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery. Memorials to Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Catwalk Fund are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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