Van
Van Ray White
d. May 29, 2016
On Sunday, May 29, 2016, surrounded by love Van passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Born in Smithton, MO, to Carroll and Leah White, he grew up with two brothers and a sister (all deceased) on a 90 acre sharecropper farm. Though times were tough, that life shaped Van with a strong work ethic and wonderful memories.
Dad joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 and was a part of the 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomb Group, stationed in Molesworth, England from 1942 to 1945. His time in the service was a very significant part of his life, remaining life-long friends with his comrades in arms. He was so devoted to the 8th Air Force he helped form the New Mexico Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, was instrumental in the establishment of the National Museum of the Mighty 8th in Savannah, GA, and he never missed a reunion. He was a true patriot.
After the war Dad worked as an engineer on the Santa Fe Railroad as well as a variety of odd jobs. But he found his true calling when he founded Albuquerque Safe Company in 1949. He began by selling safes out of the trunk of his car, opening his first showroom in the 50's. He eventually expanded into banking equipment, larger safes, vaults, and safe deposit boxes. It seemed at some point every business in town had a safe from Dad! He became a well-respected, well liked, and well known businessman. Selling his company in 1988 he remained active in the business until his death, selling his last safe in April. Dad's motto was "Everyone's a prospect until they buy or die"!
Van was very involved in his community and a member of several organizations. He helped found the Executive Association of Greater Albuquerque (EAGA), and the New Mexico Chapter of the Mercedes Benz Club of America, one of the founding sponsors of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, belonged to the Albuquerque Country Club, 100 Club and Elks. He also stayed very busy helping support his wife in her many charitable activities.
Van was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Lore'. Dad leaves behind his daughters, Samantha Blauwkamp (Rol) of Albuquerque, NM (along with Rols' 7 children and 16 grandchildren), Donna Motsinger (Ted) of Questa, NM; grandsons, Luke Motsinger (Rachel) and Jeff Motsinger (Melissa); and great-granddaughter, Kaileigh all of Taos, NM; niece, Diane LaMar (Dan) of Missouri and nephew, Rusty White (Fran) of Kansas.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Van and Lore' will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, P.O. Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402 or to Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque, P.O. Box 92614, Albuquerque, NM 87199.
Dad joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 and was a part of the 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomb Group, stationed in Molesworth, England from 1942 to 1945. His time in the service was a very significant part of his life, remaining life-long friends with his comrades in arms. He was so devoted to the 8th Air Force he helped form the New Mexico Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, was instrumental in the establishment of the National Museum of the Mighty 8th in Savannah, GA, and he never missed a reunion. He was a true patriot.
After the war Dad worked as an engineer on the Santa Fe Railroad as well as a variety of odd jobs. But he found his true calling when he founded Albuquerque Safe Company in 1949. He began by selling safes out of the trunk of his car, opening his first showroom in the 50's. He eventually expanded into banking equipment, larger safes, vaults, and safe deposit boxes. It seemed at some point every business in town had a safe from Dad! He became a well-respected, well liked, and well known businessman. Selling his company in 1988 he remained active in the business until his death, selling his last safe in April. Dad's motto was "Everyone's a prospect until they buy or die"!
Van was very involved in his community and a member of several organizations. He helped found the Executive Association of Greater Albuquerque (EAGA), and the New Mexico Chapter of the Mercedes Benz Club of America, one of the founding sponsors of the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, belonged to the Albuquerque Country Club, 100 Club and Elks. He also stayed very busy helping support his wife in her many charitable activities.
Van was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Lore'. Dad leaves behind his daughters, Samantha Blauwkamp (Rol) of Albuquerque, NM (along with Rols' 7 children and 16 grandchildren), Donna Motsinger (Ted) of Questa, NM; grandsons, Luke Motsinger (Rachel) and Jeff Motsinger (Melissa); and great-granddaughter, Kaileigh all of Taos, NM; niece, Diane LaMar (Dan) of Missouri and nephew, Rusty White (Fran) of Kansas.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Van and Lore' will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, P.O. Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402 or to Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque, P.O. Box 92614, Albuquerque, NM 87199.
Service Details
Tuesday, June 14th, 2016, 10:00am, FRENCH - Lomas
Interment Details
Santa Fe National Cemetery
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