Benjamin H. White
Beloved Husband, Step-Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend.
Benjamin White went home to be with our Lord on Saturday, December 8th, 2012.
Born September 1, 1919 in Annapolis, Maryland, to Alice Hopwood and Benjamin Hamilton White.
Both parents were from Jeffersonville, Indiana. The White family moved to San Diego, CA in 1924 when Benjamin was only 5 years old.
Ben grew up in Mission Hills and graduated from San Diego High, Class of 1937 and went on to study at San Diego State University to receive a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.
His father served as a commissioned officer at West Point, Virginia and was later transferred to San Diego, where Ben lived out the rest of his life.
Ben met his first wife Seulma Frankenberger and was married for 50 years.
In 1995, Ben then met his second wife Maria Victoria. They were married and shared a new life together that lasted 17 years. He is survived by his wife Maria, Step-Children Linda, Richard, Victoria and John, 12 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren.
Ben worked in the Aerospace industry and loved to travel abroad. He also became a successful entrepreneur in real estate development and was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary of San Diego for 20 years. He also served with the San Diego Apartment Association Board of Directors and Water Conservation Advisory Committee.
Ben loved being surrounded by family, and enjoyed the arts, music, sailing and was a member of the Silver Gate Yacht Club.
Thank you to everyone who surrounded him with love during his final days.
Ben, you will truly be missed.
Memorial Services and a "Celebration of Life" will be held on December 18th @ 9 a.m. @ Greenwood Mortuary, 1300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to San Diego Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 20, 2013
Daniela Pacheco
Visiting Grandpa Ben in his last days was bittersweet. I was so thankful to see him one more time yet was hesitant to share everything I felt for him knowing I would burst into sobbing before him. I was thankful to see family and friends gathered around him. I'll never forget the first time Ben noticed my artwork. I was around 11 years of age and was showing my sketch of a log cabin drawn with coloring pencils. He admired my attempt at perspective and light logic. I'm so thankful he supported my interest in the arts. He was looking out for me. Whenever we visited, we had conversations about art history and about applications of different materials that I was currently working with in my projects at school. I loved talking about places that he has visited and the sites he saw especially in Europe. I took my first trip to Europe this January. Ben knew about my plans to travel and I wished so badly that I could share with him my experiences. He traveled so much that wherever I went I thought to myself, perhaps Ben was here at some point. I remembered his words while ascending the staircase to the outer dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, "Do those kinds of things before your body gets too old." I was living out what he told me. He encouraged my sense of adventure and I hope that if I reach the age he does, I would have traveled the world and lived an enriching life such as he did. I loved every moment of the conversations we shared and I will miss him dearly.
[I'm just a pencil in the Lord's hand]
"...by the grace of God, I am what I am."
1 Corinthians 15:10
January 7, 2013
maria white
My dear Ben I miss you terribly and think of you constantly. You made a big impact in my life and on my children too.I will always love you,and thank you for loving me so much. Your forever loving wife, Maria
December 18, 2012
Ed Cruz
Thank you Ben for being such a wonderful mentor and friend during our times together in Flotilla 16-4, your kindness and understanding was greatly appreciated,
December 17, 2012
Joseph Lemon Jr
I believe Mr. Ben would be very proud of his family.
I am very proud of your family; I really appreciate and admire the way you take extra special care of Ms. Maria.
It is an honor and I consider it an awesome opportunity to be asked to handle Mr. Ben's arrangements.
God bless you family of Benjamin Hopwood White and I look forward to our next "Lengua Event". :)
Sincerely,
December 16, 2012
Dianna Jones-Flotilla Commander
Thank you for your many years of service to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. You served your country well at a time in your life whe you could have set back and watched. Thank you for the many unselfish hours you gave so others could serve. You will be missed by many.
December 16, 2012
We were honored to have known Ben for over 50 years. We have wonderful memories of great times together. We shared so many years on boats and fishing and sailing to Catalina. We are sadden by his passing and will miss him each and every day. John and Donna Helstowski
December 15, 2012
William Homer
I feel truly honored to have known, and been a friend of, Ben for the last 19 years Ben, a true gentleman, had a way of bringing out the best in those who were part of his life. We will all miss him dearly.
My heartfelt condolences to all who grieve the passing of this great man.
December 15, 2012
Richard Pacheco Jr
December 15, 2012
Richard Pacheco Jr
From one come many! We love you Ben!
December 15, 2012
Richard Pacheco Jr
Ben, Thank you for being a wonderful Husband to my Mother, She needed you and you blessed her and us in so many ways. You truly will be missed. Love your Son, Richard
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Funeral services provided by:
Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
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