Roger Perry White

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend returned to his heavenly home on Saturday, November 13th. He will be missed beyond measure.

He lived his life in faith and love and service. He loved being with his family. And took great care of them. His three little granddaughters (Esther, Eva, and Elizabeth) and grandson (Wyatt) were a new part of his family adventure that he delighted in.

He loved gardening, which he learned from his master gardener father, building and learning new skills, and discovering the gifts of nature. The flight of birds overhead and their victorious V’s especially delighted him. We have seen many birds soaring in the sunsets and blue skies in the past few days.

Early in his life, Roger developed an interest in snow skiing and running and a love for poetry, music, writing, and mathematics. In his youth, he developed a strong testimony of Christ and loved serving the people of Uruguay on a mission when he was 19. He was on the temple prayer roll in that very country last week, which I’m sure he felt.

After his mission he served for two years in the Navy, stationed in Japan and sailing to the equator. Afterward Roger continued his studies at the University of Utah in Electronics and Computer Science.

He met Kathi at a noon fireside (the only time either of them went that year). Roger loved telling the story, often misty-eyed, that he noticed her as she crossed in the front of the packed auditorium and then sat next to him. He knew that was their destined moment to meet.

It wasn’t long before they were married in the Salt Lake Temple and began their adventures together, with the best part being their three sons (Nathan, Scott, and Michael) and daughter Brittany.

Roger served in the Air Force the next 6 years, which took them to Ohio and Virginia, followed by 24 years in Seattle Washington, North Carolina, and Virginia again. These years were full of tender memories, challenges, and wonderful experiences, including sporting events, school activities, scouts, service, family game time, and vacations (with countless miles driven back and forth to Utah).

They loved returning to Utah after many years away and being close to family again. Roger and Kathi felt blessed to spend additional time with their parents and share in helping them in their last years.

Roger also began a second career in Utah teaching at Broadview University and Ensign College. He cared about all his students and admired them for the unique challenges they faced in pursuing their college education.

Roger’s sensitive heart and spirit often spilled out in tears on his face. He was always so thankful for his family, for the knowledge and promises of the gospel of Christ, and for the beauty of God’s creations. We will keep him forever in our hearts, until we meet again.

Roger is survived by his wife Kathi, his sons Nate (Alison), Scott, Mike (Clarissa), daughter Britt, and sisters Jamie, Nancie, and Nola.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the Bountiful 21st Ward, 115 East Wicker Lane, Bountiful. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Bountiful, and Saturday morning from 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.