Lasting Memories

Walter Lewis White
June 6, 1925-Jan. 14, 2012
Palo Alto, California

Walter White, Channing House resident and longtime teacher in Palo Alto schools, died Jan. 14, 2012, from complications of pneumonia. He was 86.

Walter Lewis White was born on June 6, 1925, in Hong Kong, son of an American businessman. Walter and his mother moved to Long Beach, Calif., in 1940.

In 1943 Walter joined the Navy as a medical corpsman, and was soon attached to a U.S. Marine Corps unit. He was discharged in 1946.

Walter studied at Eastern Washington College of Education, Cheney, Wash., receiving B.A. and M.A. degrees in Education. It was at the college that he met his future wife, also training to become a schoolteacher.

Walter and Ramona Workes were married in June 1950 in Walla Walla, Wash. After teaching in Eastern Washington schools, they moved to Palo Alto in 1954, taking jobs in Palo Alto schools. Walter loved teaching math, at Wilbur and Paly, retiring in 1985.

Walter and Ramona shared a love of opera, the symphony, hiking and worldwide travel. They enjoyed two round-the-world trips during sabbatical years.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, survivors include two nieces, their families and numerous cousins.

No services are planned.

Donations in Walter's memory may be directed to the Channing House Endowment Fund.