Milton White

Surrounded by family, Bink, 86, passed away March 12, 2012 in Yakima after an extended illness. He left this earth much like he lived on it, on his own terms!

Born March 4, 1926 in Pasadena, CA to Milton White & Harriett (Herald) White. The family moved back to Yakima shortly thereafter when his father was called on to manage the family’s fruit ranch on Summitview Ext. Bink attended Tieton-View Grade School and Yakima High School where he excelled in baseball. He received a letter of interest from the Philadelphia Phillies but also received a letter from Uncle Sam. He entered the service and was immediately selected and sent to California to be in a few war movies made during that time to boost morale. His claim to fame was playing the jeep driver for Ernie Pyle (Burgess Meredith) in the film ‘Story of GI Joe’. Later, he went on to Europe and served on the ski patrol. After serving his country, Bink enrolled at Washington State College on the GI-Bill studying journalism. He was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. His studies were interrupted to return to Yakima and takeover for his father on the ranch.

Upon his return to Yakima he met and married Suzanne Benoit. They had three children, Lincoln, Marty & Andrew. In the 50’s Bink played fastpitch softball on Yakima’s John Deere, Highlander & Budweiser teams. He was a member of the Budweiser team that won1958 state tournament. From 1961 – 1965, Bink coached Linc and his fellow teammates on the West Valley Giants Pee Wee baseball team to three championships. He farmed out in West Valley until 1975 when the family sold the property. He later spent many years working at Westwood West Golf course along side his brother-in-law Lee Dolquist. He made many friends at Westwood over the years and enjoyed the time spent there. For the last several years, Bink has shared residence with his sister, and loving caretaker, Bev Dolquist. He also enjoyed an occasional trip to his beloved Palm Desert for the Bob Hope Classic.

Bink is survived by his children, Lincoln (Karen) White of Terrace Heights, Marty (Ron) McClain of Yakima and Andrew White of Seattle; his sister Bev Dolquist of Yakima. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Karly White & Tyler White, his great-grandchildren, Preston White and Colton Buerman as well as numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. He was preceded in death by former wife, Suzanne White, parents Milton and Harriett White; brother-in-law Lee Dolquist and his aunt, Georgia Herald.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ha and the staff of Northstar Lodge for the wonderful care they provided Bink the last several years. At Bink’s request, there will be no funeral services. There will be a ‘Celebration of Life’ Saturday March 24th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the home of Ron & Marty McClain, 12303 Summitview Ext., Yakima, WA 98908. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Bink’s memory to Northstar Lodge care of The Memorial Foundation, 2701 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA 98902.