Donald G. White

Donald Gene White, lovingly known as Don, passed away peacefully at home in Long Beach, California, on June 20, 2025, just two weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday with those he loved. A man of enduring strength, quiet wit, and deep devotion to his family, Don leaves behind a legacy of hard work, adventure, and love.

Born on June 5, 1935, in Colorado to Holice and Lasurean “Peggy” White, Don arrived during a world still recovering from the Great Depression—when Babe Ruth had just retired and the first canned beer was hitting store shelves. He was the youngest of three boys, following older brothers Leon and Bob. The boys were raised in a home that valued grit, integrity, and service. His father worked on the railroad, while his mother cared for patients as a nursing aide at St. Anthony’s Hospital.

Don graduated from North High School in Denver in 1953 and was soon called to serve in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in the Pacific from 1954 to 1956. As a Third Class Quartermaster, he was responsible for navigation on the bridge during fleet maneuvers in Hawaii and Japan, and fulfilled his duties with pride and discipline.

After his service, Don returned home with a goal: to become an electrical engineer. It took him eight years of balancing work and school, but he earned his degree from the University of Colorado Denver and began what would become a decades-long and deeply respected career in the electrical contracting industry. He worked his way up and eventually founded Riviera Electric, acting as the President and CEO, until his first "retirement" in 2000—a term his family used lovingly with air quotes. True to form, Don couldn’t stay still for long. He soon joined E Light Electric Services, where he remained engaged into his later years and served as Chairman of the Board.

Family was everything to Don. He was a devoted father to David, Debbi, and his beloved son Vincent, whose life was heartbreakingly cut short by congenital heart issues—a tragedy that would shape Don’s generosity and perspective for the rest of his life.

Don’s family grew even further when he met Karen, the love of his life. They married in 2001 and shared nearly 25 wonderful years together filled with adventure and partnership. Karen brought joy, warmth, and balance into Don’s life. She made him a better man in every way, and together they traveled the world—from Africa to Australia, from Italy to Singapore. Together, they built a rich and meaningful life in Keystone, Colorado—surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and a close-knit community of friends—before eventually settling in Long Beach to enjoy the sunshine and sea year-round.

Don was not only defined by his work ethic but also by his passions. He was a licensed pilot who loved flying just for the joy of it—often taking day trips with his son David. He was an avid marathoner, hiker of Colorado’s 14ers, scuba diver, skier, tennis player, and golfer. He had a lifelong love of reading, classic Sinatra tunes, and a good cigar on the deck with the people he loved.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Karen; his children and their spouses: David and Nancy White, Debbi and Curtis Kistler; his step-sons and their wives: John and Marlene Wright, David and Candace Wright; his grandchildren: Lisa, Rachel, Bryan, David, Matthew, Katrina, JT, Izabella, Avry, Devynn, and Oliver; and his great-grandchildren Penelope, Hadley, and Jordan. He is also remembered by many other family members, friends, and colleagues who were fortunate to know him.

Don White lived a life defined by perseverance, generosity, and joy. And above all, he loved and was deeply loved in return.

A celebration of Don’s extraordinary life will be held on July 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Olinger Chapel Hill, located at 6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Donald G. and Karen M. White Student Project Support Fund. In the Gift Designation box type: D-0020231. https://giving.ucdenver.edu/campaigns/48161/donations/new?a=10662665&designation=donaldgandkarenmwhitestudentprojectsupportfund