O B I T U A R Y

Patten DeWolf White 76

YORK – Patten D. White of York, 76, passed away Friday, April 15, 2016, full of love and happiness – he was with family and loved ones at his passing.

Pat was born in Salem, Mass., son of Barbara and Llewellyn White. An independent and self-reliant young man, Pat began lobstering at 16, then joined the Peace Corps in Africa. Improving fishing practices with the Togolese, he realized his mission was not to teach, but to collaborate. He met and fell in love with Enid Wardwell of Castine, Maine. They married in 1962 and began their life together. True companions, Pat and Enid journeyed into many ventures throughout their 51 years of marriage.

Once home, Pat became a traveling ski salesman in Conway, N.H. Wanting to spend more time with his growing family, he took a position in York managing Mt Agamenticus. He and Enid built a home and raised three children with opportunities that ranged from walking pigs and goats, to skating, sledding, swimming and roasting hot dogs. They bought a farm and garden center and with hard work, long hours and open minds they successfully ran the business for 15 years.

Pat next returned to lobstering. His abilities to work with people advanced him into many aspects of fisheries management. The director of MLA, Pat became known as a man of his word. What made him so effective was the integrity and authenticity with which he approached people. He spoke his mind, honest and clear, gaining him both respect and credibility. He become a speaker on the Pew Oceans Commission, a delegate in the ASMFC, President of GOMLF, and was awarded the Capt. David D. Hart Award.

Pat never allowed notoriety to overshadow his powerful love of family. He taught his children to be strong and independent, and that with a bit of sweat and elbow grease, “there is nothing you can’t do.” Whether reading “Pooh” or attending events, he was tirelessly devoted to all the children in his life.

Pat is survived by his dearest friend, Myrna Lloyd; his sisters, Terri Stevens and Carol Farrell; his children, Jeff White, and his wife, Wendy, of York, Susan Volger, and her husband, Paul, of South Berwick, and Jennifer Leach; as well as 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Enid White.