Dennis Lynn White, 68, was born April 12, 1948, in Riverton, Wyoming. He was the second of six sons born to Ivan D. and Dorothy M. White. As a boy, Den lived on a small farm in Wyoming attending school at Pavillion and Shoshoni until his family moved to Burlington, Wy in 1963. After graduating high school in 1966, Den began working at the Oregon Basin Oil Field near Cody.
During this time, Den began taking flying lessons in nearby Greybull to fulfill his lifelong dream of piloting his own plane. As a child, Den would watch planes flying through the sky and think, “Someday I am going to fly one of those.” This was a dream that would soon be placed on hold when he was drafted to serve his country in May 1968. Those who knew Den can recall him joking about this being his “all expense paid senior trip” from his Uncle Sam to Vietnam. Den served honorably in the 9th Infantry Division as a radio operator until December 1969.
After returning from Vietnam, Den pursued another of his passions; working with horses. He began working on ranches on the Tongue River in Montana where his family had relocated. He met his first wife, Leanna “Lee” Tartar; they married on April 10, 1972. Den gained two stepsons, Quirt and Lou, whom he holds dear to his heart. Many cherished memories were created with these boys, especially hunting coyotes from his plane with Quirt. To this union, a son Patrick Lynn White was born. Becoming a father fulfilled another of Den’s dreams; Pat was the apple of his father’s eye. Den was a devoted husband and father. Tragedy struck when Pat was killed in a car accident on February 11, 1996 while serving in the United States Army. Five years later, a bigger void was created in his heart when his wife of 29 years passed away suddenly on May 25, 2001.
Den married Sandy Kay Sprague (and her family) on September 15, 2001. Den started this marriage telling people that he loved horses and airplanes. That expression soon became “I love my wife!, horses, and airplanes.” Den was a fast learner! They lived in Ashland until they moved to Forsyth in May 2007. Den retired in April 2010 from Rosebud County Road and Bridge Department, where he was a blade operator for 22 years. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, flying his Piper Super Cub, having coffee with the guys, having tea at the airport, golfing and most of all – life.
Den passed away suddenly on April 17, 2016 at his home in Forsyth. A huge void will be left in the hearts of many, especially his wife Sandy. Through the years, Den touched many lives and was cherished for his sense of humor, quick wit, loyalty, selflessness and unconditional love. He was a great example, always content with who he was and what he had. He gave willingly with no expectations of return. There will never be another like him.
Den is survived by his loving wife Sandy, his mother Dorothy White of Forsyth, and his five brothers; Dr. Melvin (Kathy) White of Salinas, Ca, Joe (Kathy) White of Lovell, Wy, Dale (Kay) White of Newcastle, Wy, Walter (Jorja) White of Billings, Mt, and Frank (Laura) of Monmouth, Or. Step daughters Jennifer (Paul) La Plaunt of Billings, Mt, and Christina (Bryan) Simanton of La Plata, Md; his step sons Quirt (Jackie) Phillips of Broadus, Mt, and Lou Phillips of Miles City, Mt; nephews Allen (Jackie) Tartar, Bryan (Shannon) Tartar of Ashland, Mt; five grandsons (Casey, Christian, Brayden, Kayden, Colton); one granddaughter (Taylor) and one great-granddaughter (Amber). He was preceded in death by his father Ivan White and brother-in-law Buzz Tartar, who were his idols and mentors; his sister-in-law Bit Tartar whom he also cherished.
Funeral services will be Saturday April 23, 2016 at the Stevenson Funeral Home in Forsyth, Mt at 11:00 a.m., luncheon to follow. Interment will be held at the Ashland Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his deceased son and wife.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday April 23, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
3:00 PM
Saturday April 23, 2016
Ashland Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday April 23, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
3:00 PM
Saturday April 23, 2016
Ashland Cemetery
Ashland, MT 59003
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Bobbie May says
Such very sad news to hear. I really enjoyed getting to know Dennis. Heartfelt prayers to Sandy and the rest of the family.
Harriet Sleaford Jansen & Veryl says
Dorothy, Sandy and Families. Was saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will be unable to attend his funeral but you to know that we care. Rosebud/Arizona Friends.
Fred and DeeDee Isaacs says
Sandy and family,
Such a loss and much to young. Always enjoyed our visits with Dennis at the store when he was working for the county. Our prayers and sympathy to all his family.
Dade and Jaylene Allison & boys says
Sandy and family,
So sorry to hear of Dennis’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family.
Dennis & Vickie Krause says
Sandy & Family, what a shock! Guess when good Lord wants us, we have no choice. Just seem like yesterday we were visiting. So sorry ! He was a good soul & glad we got to know him.
Connie Brown says
Dorothy, Sandy and family,
So sorry to hear of your families loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead!
Jack and Kim Knobloch says
Dorothy and boys so sorry to hear of your loss. Dennis was great guy and will be missed dearly.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
Sandy,
We were sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. May God wrap his arms around you to comfort and guide you through the coming days and may you find peace in your wonderful memories.
Wayne & Lane Buck says
Sandy, we were so very sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl Klemp says
Sandy and family sorry to hear about Dennis. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Robinette says
Sandy, my thoughts and prayers are with you, hold onto the great memories and take one day at a time, take your time to make major decisions, the Lord will be with you, Diana
Grace Larson says
Sandy , I am so sad to hear of Dennis passing ! May the Lord Bless and Keep you from this time forward . As my aunt told me , “stay busy as you can ” and it has sure helped . Dennis will always live in your memories , Thank God .
Jeanne Sparks says
Sandy, Shocked and saddened to hear about Dennis. Hugs to you.
Bert and Helen Woods says
Sandy, Dorothy and family,
What a shock. It is so hard to believe. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God help and comfort you in the coming days. Dennis will live on in many memories.
Lola SHELDON-GALLOWAY says
You’re in our prayers from your cousins here in Great Falls. LOLA and Steven GALLOWAY.
Pam & Dave Nisley says
To all of his loved ones, we only met Dennis a few times – but he made a positive impact! Our prayers go with all of you for comfort and peace in these days, and the months to come!
Sonja Crocker says
Dorothy, Sandy and families,
Only our Lord can give you strength, but friends and family can provide warm hugs and prayers for each of you.
Cyndie (Marriotti) Klaudt says
Sandy and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. May all your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Cindy Stanton says
Sandy, I’m so very sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort during this awful time.
Steve Vail says
Sandy, I am so sorry for your loss. Take Care
Steve Vail
Audrey Snodgrass says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Dennis’s family.
Billie Jo & Jay Valdez says
Our thoughts and prayers go with you during this time of loss…
Kathy White says
Kathy White (Mel D. White)
Dear Mama White, Sandy and “the Boys”,
My deep sorrow and love flies to you all for our loss of son, husband and brother, and friend.
Dennis has been a delight in my life, as Mel’s great “little” brother and his special buddy. We certainly will miss his funny, crazy emails, silly cards, stories, political bantering, phone calls and competitive fun on the golf course.
What a great example of brotherly love, and devotion to his mother, Sandy, Mel, and his family.
We will miss him dearly in our lives, but also know that families can be together forever. Sending love, and prayers for the comfort of special angels.
Bobbee Heberle says
Dear Sandy and Family,
We are sending our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
Chris and Diana Elwood says
Chris and I are so sad to hear of Denny’s passing, he was much to young. We have so many wonderful memories from when we all lived in Ashland and spent many fun times together. Our sympathy is with all the family, you will be in our prayers.
Deniece (Dan) Schwab says
Sandy,
My heart is just broken. Denny was so precious! You two were so precious together. I will always hear his cowboy drawl! I was just thinking on Sunday when we drove thru at noon – that I sure needed an airplane ride with Den! Well, he’s piloting the big one up there. Comin’ in on a wing & a prayer!
You’re in my tho’ts and in my deepest prayers.
I love you –
Deniece & Dan
Jeff Robinon says
Sorry to here about Dennis. He will truly be missed.
Ray and Sandy Smith says
Sandy, Dorothy and Families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Lori Reierson says
Sandy and family I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rocky & Carol Plympton says
Dorothy, Sandy & family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this time of loss. May God hold you tightly, Rocky & Carol Plympton
Joyce Schulz says
Dorothy, Sandy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers. He was loved by many and will be missed.
Berta and Leo Conner and family says
Sandy and family, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis!! May you cherish the memories that you have. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dick and Kay says
Sandy, you’ve been in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with Dennis. Will be thinking of you.
Dallas and Karen Gaskill says
Dorothy, Sandy and family, we are so sad to hear of the passing of Dennis. May God be with all of you. Love and Prayers