Obituary of Robert William White

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Rob on March 22, 2020 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chatham, Ontario to Bill and Judy White. He lived at 44 Kendall Street as a child and attended St. Ursula Catholic School, where he was also an altar boy. He was a Cub Scout and played minor hockey in Chatham-Kent, moving to Bothwell, Ontario in 1977. Like many boys his age, he worked Summer crops in the fields of Southern Ontario detassling corn, picking tomatoes and was a paper delivery boy. Rob attended Zone Central Public School and later Lambton Kent Secondary School, graduating in 1985. He worked as a security guard at Siemen’s in Chatham and for several years with Ro-land Farms in Blenheim, Ontario. Rob’s remarkable journey included angling the streams, ponds and local riverbanks with friends, fishing Lake Erie with his Dad, writing poetry and often, seeking out the deep emotional bonds of friendship, to be fully seen and appreciated, secure and loved in the community. We are thankful for the mental health team who supported him, building trust, offering hope with silver linings, always listening as a friend would do. He will be dearly missed by family and friends, his sister Glenda of Newbury, Ontario, his brother Scott of Toronto, Ontario, his Aunt Beth and Uncle Bud, his Aunt Sylvia and Uncle Dan, Godson Keith Dejaegher, Uncle Mike and Aunt Liz, Nana Sheila Dejaegher, Niece Katie, Nephews Ryan and Evan and many cousins. Rob had an especially close relationship with his Grandmother, Beatrice Edna Dejaegher. A special thanks to the Cochran family who included Rob in private functions. Pre-deceased by his Mother Judy White (nee-Dejaegher), Father William “Bill” White and the most loyal of pets Cindy, Fred and Gracie. Where your journey takes you, we follow! A burial and celebration of Rob’s life will be held at a date to be determined, and announced to his family and friends in Chatham-Kent. Donations to be directed to the Salvation Army Chatham-Kent Ministries.