Farrow M. White Jr.

Farrow "Mac" White jr was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend who loved hard and worked tirelessly to serve as a shining example of a compassionate, affectionate, proud and supportive man. Born on D-Day, June 6, 1944 in Mineral Wells, Texas, he was the youngest boy of five children born to Vivian McKinley White and Islee (Hudson) White, who met in Red River County, Texas. As a child he was known to his siblings Rena B. Higginson, Margaret Thompson and Joe White, and Katherine Ford as a rambunctious and active kid who was into everything. He attended the Dunbar School in Mineral Wells and completed his high school education in 1962. Upon graduation, he attended Prairie View A&M College as a pre-med major from 1962 to 1963. In February 1964, he followed in his father's footsteps (his father fought in WWII and won the Bronze Star) and enlisted in the United States Army, a decision that would eventually lead to life and career-changing tours of Vietnam, Korea, Thailand and Germany.

The trajectory of his life changed forever 1968, while stationed at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center (FAMC) in Aurora, CO, when he first laid eyes upon the lovely Matilda Cruz, who was also enlisted in the Army and stationed at FAMC. They instantly fell head over heels in love and became engaged just two months later. Their wedding would have to wait, as he had received orders to head to Vietnam, where he was assigned to the 93rd Evac Hospital at Long Bihn as a field First Sergeant / Combat Medic. When he returned, he and "Mattie," as she was known to many, were married that same month in the New York City burrow of Manhattan on Saturday, August 14, 1971. The very next day they had to report to Fort Hood, Texas for his next assignment. A year later, while stationed in Alameda, California "Mac," as he was known by many, realized his dream of becoming a father with the birth of their first daughter, Michele. After finishing his additional training as a clinical specialist, they were stationed back in Fort Hood, Texas, where his fatherly love blossomed two times over with the birth of their daughters Denise and Tanya. Shortly after Tanya was born, he received his next set of orders to report to Korea, where he stayed for a year. While there, he became involved in and excelled at table tennis and won multiple national championships. He never lost his skill for table tennis and made sure to always have a table in his basement, where he routinely put on a show whenever challenged!

They eventually moved to Denver's Montbello community, where he raised his family. Mac lived to dote on his wife and was "over the moon" crazy about his girls. They were the center of his universe and he supported and loved them with pure passion and sincere joy throughout every stage of their lives, ensuring they were involved in a plethora of activities, including softball, bowling and ROTC among others. If he was taking on the role of coach, he could usually be seen with a camera or camcorder in hand capturing every special moment. He loved taking his family on little adventures including enjoying the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Royal Gorge Train, Tiny Town USA, The Garden of the Gods, Ghost Town, Mother Cabrini Shrine, Glenwood Springs and all of the big amusement parks. He also loved fishing and made sure that his family had the chance to see many of the local lakes and reservoirs, where he patiently taught them everything he knew about fishing.

At FAMC in Colorado in 1981, he served as Chief Pediatric Ward Nurse at the main hospital and was also active with a host of activities, including pitching for the base's softball team, competing in racquetball, playing pool and joining a bowling league. He eventually retired from the Army after 23 years of service, after which he went on to manage a Pediatric Clinic in Englewood, CO. He then went on to work at the U.S. Postal Service where he retired after 15 years.

Mac did not limit his love and affection to his biological family, he was a hugely social person and he was fast friends with every new person that he met, with a vibrant personality that drew people to him. He also developed deep bonds with his "sons-in-love" Wesley Samuels and Isaac Hawkins. However, his fatherly love reached new heights with the births of his beloved grandchildren Jalen Samuels, Elainya Hawkins, Tyaan Bennett, Lynette Hawkins, Terron Bennett and Shanele Samuels, whom he loved fiercely with his whole heart and supported endlessly. He was a huge fan of technology and you would always catch him with the latest gadgets, including cell phones, computers, and stereo equipment.

As much as Mac was a gentle and kind soul, he was equally a fearless warrior who navigated – and also survived – many of life's storms with unyielding positive spirit, including multiple health challenges and a 9 years-long bout with Parkinson's Disease. His wife, children and grandchildren stood by his side through it all, caring for him around the clock until his last moments in the earthly realm. On Friday, November 24, 2023, the day after Thanksgiving, he went on to eternal rest to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Denver Hospice located in Denver's Lowry community.

Farrow "Mac" White, Jr was 79 years old and is survived by his loving wife Matilda White, daughters Michele White-Samuels (son-in-law Wesley Samuels), Denise Hawkins (son–in-law Isaac Hawkins) and Tanya Bennett, grandchildren Jalen Samuels, Elainya Hawkins, Tyaan Bennett, Lynette Hawkins, Terron Bennett and Shanele Samuels, brother, Joe White, his aunt Clementine Lewis and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and countless friends. He touched the lives of everyone he met in a special way and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He will be forever celebrated for his kind spirit and unwavering devotion to his family and friends.

Preceded in death by his father, Vivian McKinley White, his mother Islee (Hudson) White and his sisters Rena B. Higginson, Margaret Thompson,
Katherine Ford.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude for all the expressions of love and support that was shown to the family. It has been humbling and an immense blessing for all involved and we thank you.

"As we begin to say our goodbyes, remember goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean I'll miss you until we meet again."