VNS Mourns the Passing of Founder & First President Bill White

William Hart "Bill" White - Age 77, of Kingsport, passed away at home on March 28, 2016. He was the only child of Nina and Marvin White.

Bill grew up in Halifax, attended Queen Elizabeth High School, and graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Commerce. He continued his education, graduating from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Education, and from Boston University with a Master of Education in Physical Education Administration and a PhD in Leisure Service Administration.

Bill worked for more than 20 years at Acadia University serving in many roles, including the Director of Continuing Education and the Dean, Faculty of Management and Education.

While at Acadia he coached both the men’s and woman’s volleyball teams.

He ended his career with the provincial government as the Executive Director of Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation.

Bill made many contributions to sport and recreation in the province, serving many organizations including Chair of the Nova Scotia Sports Heritage Centre, President of the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia and Board of Directors for Canadian Volleyball Association and Nova Scotia Chef de Mission 1969 Canada Games.

Most notably, Bill was one of the original founders and first presidents of Volleyball Nova Scotia.

Bill also participated in many sports, excelling in tennis and basketball as a varsity athlete at both Dalhousie and Acadia. He was a long serving basketball official, and received a 25-year Service award from the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials, and the Centennial Award from Basketball Nova Scotia.

His many other accolades include a Life Membership from the Recreation Association of Nova Scotia, Honourary Life Membership from the Atlantic Provinces Association for University Continuing Education, the Award of Merit from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, the Honour Award from Physical Education Nova Scotia, the Service Award from Sport Nova Scotia, and the award he was most proud of, the Outstanding Teaching Award from the Faculty of Management and Education at Acadia University.

He enjoyed 20 years of retirement, actively participating in the Kingsport Community Association, his winters at the Bay Mariner in Florida and spending his time golfing, fishing and gardening.

Predeceased by his parents and his in-laws, Gordon and Muriel Foot, he is survived by his wife Jacqueline (Foot), his children Catherine (Les) Radvanyi, Michael (Anne MacDonald), Jennifer (David) Campbell, and Duncan (Kelly Wakeham), and his nine grandchildren, Julia, Cassidie, Madeleine, Claire, Flora, Daphne, Jasmine, Kieran and Logan.

All are invited to a celebration of his life on Saturday, April 2nd from 1:30-4pm at the Old Orchard Inn, Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, donations to KidSport Nova Scotia (www.kidsportcanada.ca/nova-scotia) or a charity of your choice would be kindly appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.