Lyle E. “Whitey” White, age 89 of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2020 at home. He was born on January 31, 1931 in Flint, MI to the late Peter and Ruth (Chilcott) White. Lyle married Kathleen Mendel on June 27, 1953.
Lyle graduated from Grand Haven High School and worked as a Supervisor for Grand Haven Brass for 50 years before his retirement. He enjoyed snow skiing and water skiing, and traveling to the U.P. to go hunting for white-tail deer up at the cabin with friends from the H.B.H. Hunting Club.
Lyle was founder and operator of the famous, “Whitey White Water Thrill Show” in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He piloted a hand-glider kite with his bare hands alongside the Mackinac Bridge dedication in 1957 and was an avid bicyclist who impressed many when, at the age of 80, rode his pedal-bike over 250 miles from Grand Haven up to Mackinaw City.
Lyle was drawn to music and had his own music company playing spoons and tapes for more than 15 years. His life and legacy will be remembered by so many that he entertained throughout the years.
He is missed by his wife of 66 years, Kathleen; son, Joe (Linda) White of Grand Haven; three grandchildren, Joshua (Kendra) White, Josh (Kimber) White, and Emma (Joey) Simonelli; three great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Raynel White; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Durgan; and several other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his son, Steve White in 2018; brother, Marshall White; and two sisters, Patsy Vanderhook and Mary Ellen Coyle.
A Graveside Service for Lyle will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of North Ottawa.
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