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Douglas White

October 19, 2024
Ada, MI

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Douglas Alfred White, 81, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles White, Margery (Hindenach) Neujahr, and stepfather, Lloyd Neujahr; and his stepbrother, Douglas Neujahr.

Doug is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dolores; daughters, Crystal White and Amy MacKay; cherished grandchildren, Connor, Emma, Carter, Heidi and Charlie; siblings, Chuck (Pat) White and Pegy (Jerry) Stanek; stepsiblings, Jim (Mimi) Neujahr, Tom (Julie) Neujahr, and Linda (Joe) David; brother and sister-in-law's, Vinnie Yacobellis, Mike Yacobellis, Sue (Ken) Nord, Chris Bulone and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doug was born on May 25, 1943, in Detroit, MI. He was in the first graduating class from Kalamazoo's Loy Norrix High School where he was an intricate part of the high school tennis team being an outstanding doubles player. He also played basketball and up until a few years ago would travel to Kalamazoo to watch the Knight's play. Doug attended Ferris State University and graduated with a BS in Commerce. After graduation Doug began his career at Standard Oil Company in New York City in their Forms Department. There he coached the Exxon Women's Softball team leading them to the Championship of New York City resulting in an article and a picture in the New York Times. He was also on the Company bowling (where he met his future wife) and men's softball teams.

He returned to Michigan in 1970 to manage the forms department at Foremost Insurance Company in Grand Rapids and then went into business with Dolores several years later as owners of Grand Rapids Typesetting Company and then PQS Printing. While at Foremost, Doug started an adult women's softball team which competed in the Grand Rapids and Wyoming leagues for over 20 years winning many league championships. They qualified for the Nationals and placed at the top nationwide. A reunion of many of team was held last year which Doug so enjoyed reminiscing with the players. He also held softball tournaments in Kalamazoo for many years enlisting the help of many of his high school friends.

Doug was an avid men's and mixed doubles tennis player for over 40 years at East Hills Athletic and Michigan Athletic Clubs. Playing in many tournaments and enjoying the company and comradery of some wonderful people. When he couldn't play anymore, he would watch his friends play then join them after for pizza and a pop. More recently having lunch regularly with Rick Weiss and Bill Jarvie.

From 2000-2005 Doug became the JV coach for the girl's tennis team at Forest Hills Northern. He also helped coach the varsity girls and the boys' tennis teams. In 2006 Doug was the girls' varsity tennis coach at Grand Rapids Christian. From there he was hired to start the tennis program for men and women's tennis at Davenport University. Because of health reasons, he had to give that up after two years.

Anyone who knew Doug knows that he was also passionate about the University of Michigan traveling with family and friends to many away games and bowl games from Florida to California. He was also die-hard New York Yankee fan and was thrilled they were going to be in the world series.

Doug loved dachshunds and over the course of his life had eight the last two being rescues. All of whom will be interred with him.

Doug sustained cherished friendships from elementary school thru college. Until recently he was still in contact with high schoolmates, Tom Miller, Ron Macomber, Joyce Smart, Jim Schoolenburg, Tom Survilla, Nancy Graham and Wayne Mejeur.

Doug's quirky, witty, and provocative sense of humor endeared him to many people as he enjoyed putting a smile on their face.

At Doug's request there will be no commemorative or funeral service. Those wishing to make a donations in Doug's name to the Humane Society of West Michigan.