Sarasota, FL - Richard McLay White of Sarasota, FL and Traverse City, MI went to be with the Lord on March 25, 2026. Born in Ann Arbor, MI in 1943, Rick grew up in the wonderful "Happy Days" of the 1950s and '60s. He attended Ann Arbor Pioneer High School, excelling in the classroom and on the field. In Varsity Football, he played both defense & offense, specializing as a "drop kicker". Rick also played basketball and baseball, participated in clubs, and enjoyed a strong circle of friends. Graduating from Pioneer in 1961, Rick attended Miami U. (Ohio) then later, the U. of Michigan. However, it was a love for flying that drew his heart. Attending the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, OK, he became a professional pilot and flight instructor. Rick's cool & calm demeanor caught the attention of a student who was a company officer in the automotive industry. He offered Rick a position in sales at General Products Corporation (GP) in Jackson MI, which began a successful business career that saw Rick rise to Executive Vice President. In 1970, Rick met Anne Guldberg, an art educator who became the love of his life. They were married in Ann Arbor, MI on May 15, 1971. For Rick, the onset of fatherhood coincided with becoming a born-again Christian, committing to our Risen Jesus Christ. Blessed with the births of James McLay in 1973, and Kelly Anne in 1976, the years that followed in Jackson were happy family times: which included skiing up north, visiting grandparents in Sarasota, and a special family cottage in Traverse City. In 1982, the family settled into the rustic setting of nearby Lake Columbia, with the addition of Bingo, their beloved yellow Labrador Retriever. Overtime, Rick continued to gain ownership in GP. Later, he became CEO over multiple subsidiaries of GP's new owner, Sudbury Inc. In 1989, Rick & Anne moved the family to Sarasota, FL expanding their horizons with many new friends and experiences. When the kids went off to college, Rick & Anne shared their time between Traverse City and Sarasota: something they did for the rest of Rick's life. Avid fans of Michigan football, Rick & Anne spent many Saturdays in Ann Arbor, cheering on the Wolverines in the Big House! Rick also continued playing softball, racquetball and bowling. However, it was golf that became his lifelong passion! Golf allowed Rick and his friends to enjoy courses across the United States, and even Ireland. Highly competitive, Rick scored several holes-in-one, and a rare "double eagle" on a par-five at the Country Club of Jackson, MI. Rick & Anne have been long-time members of the Traverse City Country Club. Rick's competitive spirit has served him well. Yet, he is most remembered for his gregarious smile and optimistic outlook. Rick loved life and brought great joy to those who knew him! He will be missed dearly. Rick is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anne; son James (Adrea) White; daughter Kelly (Danny) Kling; brother John White; and grandchildren: Carter, Davis & Mackenzie Kling, and James John & William White. Predeceasing Rick are his parents, Dr. Dale & Betty White. Rick and Anne are members of Mission Hill Church in Traverse City, MI and Covenant Life Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, FL.

A memorial service, officiated by Dr. Gary Hogue, will be held at the Mission Hill Church (formerly First Congregational), 6105 Center Road, Traverse City, MI, at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Following the service, Rick's ashes will be interred in the Garden of Remembrance behind the Church. Any wishing to make a memorial donation, please consider the Parkinson's Foundation; also online at Parkinson.org/Join.