Thomas R. White

Mr. Thomas R. White, age 79 of Potsdam, NY passed away at his home on June 8th while under the care of his family and Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 12th at 10 am at St. Mary’s Church with Msgr. Robert Aucoin celebrant. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam, NY. Friends may call at the Garner Funeral Service on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9. Contributions in his memory can be made to Hospice. Online condolences can be sent @www.garnerfh.com.

We often find life’s travels a road of memories, memories that we cherish with our friends and family. Tom started out his journey on Oct 15, 1934 and was born at the home of his parents, Gwendolyn and William White. During those days of early childhood he did what every child did, rode his bike, played with friends and yes "got into mischief". It was during these years he developed a sense of pride in whatever he did. Whether it was repairing his bike or helping his dad build something he made sure it was perfect before it was done. Tom carried this passion throughout his life making sure if he had to do it, it was done right. During his teenage years he met Patricia Hale whom became his wife and together they had 5 children. His determination and drive for his family left no stone unturned. No one went without no matter the circumstances. In 1955 together with his wife they built their home in West Potsdam, a home that was surrounded by love, respect and a lot of laughter. He made sure there was a big yard for his children to play in and an ice rink every year to skate on.

Tom started his career in the heavy equipment field working for Gaines & Sherman on Market Street in Potsdam. He was well known for his outstanding machine work, no matter the machine he ran. He eventually became a crane operator and was a member of the operating engineers local 545 for 50 yrs.

In 1978 he moved to Potsdam with his wife where they remained the rest of their life. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, father William, mother Gwendolyn, brother Theodore and is survived by his brother Jerry, his sister Eleanor and children David (wife Karen), Jeffrey (wife Sue), Tom (wife Shelly), Anne (husband Joe) and Terry (fiancée LeAnne) and 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren and 26 step grandchildren.

In his later years Tom loved sitting on his front porch, watching the cars go bye and waving to everyone he knew. He spent many hours in his cellar working on little projects with his grandchildren, this was probably the best times of his life, and he loved teaching children how to build things. This was something he had a knack for, teaching young children. Tom's motto in life was be kind to the people you come in contact with and it will come back to you two fold, but don't ever expect it because that’s not what life is about. He will be missed by many but never forgotten.