Glen “Skip” Allen White passed away peacefully at his home on May 25, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 54 years and his family.
Skip was born on April 22, 1945, to William “Buster” and Matilda “Tillie” White in Billings, MT. Raised on his family farm near Boyd, Montana, Skip developed and mastered his lifelong mechanical skills.
Skip attended Victory Elementary School until it closed, then continued his education at Boyd through middle school and graduated from Joliet High School. While attending Eastern Montana College, he met his future wife, Pamela Bassett. Skip and Pam would each earn teaching degrees; his in Mathematics and hers in Elementary Education. Skip enlisted in the Army and while on R&R leave, he sent a plane ticket to Pam and told her if she could get to Hawaii he would marry her. They married on December 26, 1969. Skip would leave for Vietnam five days later.
After returning home, Skip and Pam both received teaching positions in Hysham, Montana, with Skip as a High School Math Teacher and Pam as a 4th Grade Teacher. Two things were guaranteed in his classes: you were going to have homework, and you would learn math. During the summers, Skip worked for the Montana Migrant Program. That program would eventually become his full-time post-retirement career until his death.
Skip had many hobbies throughout his life, including flying, camping, and RZR riding with friends and family. He restored his 1969 Chevelle with his teenaged son Jason and found himself working on it yet again with Jason’s oldest son Tanner. He was an avid pilot, a certified flight instructor and enjoyed flying his airplane throughout his life. Father’s Day weekend of 2014 Skip had the pleasure of cutting the shirt tail of his youngest son Levi, when Levi had completed his first solo flight. Skip and Levi would often race to be first in the air at dawn, each from their separate locations across the state. In 2023 Skip was awarded The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.
Skip made a positive impact on anyone who crossed his path, whether it was a warm conversation with a stranger or thoughtful advice to a friend. He was kind, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and strangers alike. There was nothing Skip couldn’t fix, and he could often be found in his shop tinkering with something!
Skip is survived by his wife, Pam; his sons Jason (Shanna) White and Levi (Allison) White; brothers Butch (Irene) White and Rick (Verdine) White; brothers-in-law Otis (Sandy) McCloskey and Ken (Tonya) Russell; grandkids Tanner, Jenna, Nathan, and Jett; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:30 AM
Saturday June 8, 2024
Hysham School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:30 AM
Saturday June 8, 2024
Hysham School Gymnasium
Hysham, Montana 59038
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Cynde Cole says
So sorry for your loss. Such a wonderful man and we know you will miss him so very much. He was always so friendly and kind, I loved it when I would see both of you at school when you were traveling. A great math teacher as well! Take care.
Barbara DeCock says
Pam, Jason, Levi and families, gone to soon is one of the finest men I know. Skip was a friend to all and I will treasure the memory of his ready smile and the good times we shared.
Pamela Belgarde Miller says
So sorry for your loss he was a great math teacher. He will be missed.
Mike Rea says
Pam, Jason, Levi and families,
As you know, we lost a great guy. I can’t begin to list all the things Skip and Pam did for me, and I am betting that lots of others feel the same way. I’m sure I was behind Skip in the beer-buying business. I bet others could also say that. Skip was a selfless person who was always willing to help others. I’m missing him already.
Duane Schindler says
Skip was my 5th brother. He helped our family in any way that I asked him to help. He always had a smile and a ready laugh at my jokes. I enjoyed his company for many years. Pam, Levi and Jason are missing him. I am deeply sorry that he is gone. Our family misses him also. I deeply regret not going to visit Skip and Pam at Polson last Summer. He was a pilot and the best man that I ever have known. The Hysham community has lost a good person. Please help his family as they bear a great loss and of a very good father.
Shawna Rogers Wahl says
So very sorry to hear the passing of Mr. White. He was a remarkable teacher which will not be forgotten by the many people he has taught. Prayers for the family during this time.
Jean Walter says
Pam, Levi and Jason. I can’t imagine the heaviness in your hearts. I first met Skip in 1995. And I loved you both every day after. His smile was as strong as his handshake and his laugh even stronger. The 2 of you supported me from that day forward, and everything I learned about my job and life’s little quirks was from him. He was a monumental asset to all who knew him and many who didnt. He was a friend, a boss and a brother. I was blessed to have him in my life. And he will never be forgotten. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers will continue. I love you Pam.
Kathy Wilkinson says
Pam, Levi,Jason,Kyle
Words cannot express how amazing Skip was to me. I referred to him as my angel on earth. He rescued me more than one time and was always smiling and gracious. I loved working with him and Pam but I loved playing more!! So grateful for our four wheeling trip in October to his old homestead. That was a special trip and will always be my memory of him.
Patrick A Belgarde says
Pam and family deeply sorry for your lost. He was a super teacher and a friend. He will deeply be missed
Timmi Baldwin says
To the White Family
Mr. White is, and will always be, one of my favorite teachers. He was absolutely amazing and wonderful person. The world has lost a wonderful man. I’m so very sorry.
Shawn & Audrey Hollowell says
What an amazing man with such a beautiful family….Skip will be missed by everyone who knew him. His smile and his kind heart were a gift to us all. Our community was blessed to have him and Pam and the boys here. Thank you for sharing him with us all. God Bless you …
Jo Jay Broadus says
Pam, Jason, Levi and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mr. White. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. He always had the time to stop and say hi and ask how you were doing. I always admired the patience and ability he had to teach math to so many. Our thoughts are with all of you. He will be missed by many.
Terri Watson Coldwell says
Pam and family,
Mr. White was an awesome teacher. It was fun to see him and you at the class of 79’s 40th year class reunion a few years back. You came and visited for a bit. Where does the time go!! My sincere sympathy’s go out to you and your family.
Pat Lowthian says
Pam and family,
I am still reeling from the loss of Skip. In all the years I have been a part of MEP, Skip was always the anchor that kept us all moving in the right direction. I learned more about COE’s and recruitment than I ever wanted to know thanks to Skip, and his willingness to help in any way, so we could all learn and understand the very important fine details needed to do the job. His travels around Montana not only gave the MEP staff the opportunity to get to know him well, but those he met along the way. His vibrant smile, warm heart, and easy manner made people feel completely at ease. We will miss our dear friend, colleague, and mentor daily as we learn to navigate MEP without him. Blessings to each of you, as I know how hard it must be to face the world without him. God speed Skip!
Marion Blackman says
Mr White was a beloved teacher in Hysham for many generations. He was always patient, kind and willing to help anyone in need. RIP Skip, condolences to Pam, Jason, and Levi.
Tylene Eaton says
Mr. White was a diamond in the rough. Always so patient and kind and helpful to all. He helped countless kids through their math assignments, but also helped many people in the community without seeking praise or admiration for it. We will miss hearing you fly your plane around Treasure County, Skip, as you have upgraded to a new set of wings!
Nancy White says
My deepest condolences, many fond memories.
Nancy Syljuberget White
Ralph Martinez says
Fly high Mr.White.
Pete D Berta says
I HAVE SKIP IN MY HEART. SADLY MISSED BUT NEVER FOGOTTEN. HE WAS A TRULY SPECIAL, GIVING PERSON WHO ALWAYS MADE TIME FOR OTHERS–HIS PEERS, STUDENTS AND FRIENDS. CONDOLENCES TO THE WHITE FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Melody Haynes says
Sincere Sympathy to the White family. I was so surprised and saddened to see Skip’s
notice in the paper. Sending love & prayers. I met Skip, initially through the school
system, when he was getting computers out to schools. I was teaching
at the SY School at the time. Then, when I started teaching in Hysham, I looked him up
and had some great conversations with Skip & his wife. He will be missed by many. A
wonderful, caring man!
Sue Gallo says
Mr. White truly was a great teacher and amazing person. He always had time for his students and made learning fun. I remember feeling very well prepared during my first year of college calculus! I originally went to college with plans to be a math teacher largely due to his influence.
I also was lucky enough to take a ride with him in his plane with Alaina Bauer after we won the flight at a fund raiser in Hysham. I was able to catch up with him at the Chirstmas Eve service in Hysham this past year and we had a nice chat.
Sending thoughts and prayers to Pam, Jason and Levi. He will be missed by many!
Marjorie Willems Dyce says
So very sorry for your loss. Mr. White was a special teacher and man. He was the reason for my love for math. I remember him as being thoughtful, kind and genuinely caring. My first ever ride in an airplane was with him in his plane. I have never forgotten. Prayers for you and your family.
Larry & Vicky Fink says
Pam, Jason, & Levi…Our hearts sank when we learned Skip had passed. Skip was one of the best Math teachers we have ever met & was always available for his students regardless if they were in high school or college!! His ability to fix absolutely anything was amazing. He was such an important part of the community…parade duties, snow plowing, and simply chatting with people. We loved seeing Skip & Pam ride by the house on their electric bikes! Skip will be missed by so many people. Take care & you will all be in our thoughts.
Steve and Julia Hollowell says
We were blessed to have worked with Skip and Pam for many years at the Hysham School. They were mentors to us both in our early years of teaching. Our thoughts are with Pam, Jason, Levi and their families. Skip offered many times the opportunity to fly with him. I wish now I would have flown with him. I think he’d be happy knowing I have somewhat conquered my fear of flying. We will miss him immensely and our nights of swapping stories about life and the many laughs. Steve and Julia Hollowell
Gordon and Lisa Criswell says
Dear Pam and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mr. White simply touched many lives and not sure if he ever got cross! I know my parents, Bob and Pat Miller, have many special memories with the White family.
Cari Semivan says
Pam and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. Skip was such a wonderful person and I feel so blessed that I was able to know him for so many years. I am so grateful for all the times we got to spend together in Polson/Flathead Lake, Chico Hot Springs, Red Lodge, Billings, etc. We had some fun times together….working but always having fun and laughing! Those will be forever fond memories. Pam, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Angela and Jim Spall says
Dear Pam and family,
Jim and I send our deepest condolences to you all; we were blessed to have know and worked with him these past 40 plus years. Skip was the most pleasant, kind, gentle, and caring person we ever have had the pleasure of knowing. He was a true master of what it takes to live a great and meaningful life: a wonderful husband to Pam, a fabulous father and grandfather, a caring neighbor, a great teacher, an amazing mechanic, a selfless team player, a pilot, a skilled mathematician, a musician, a jack of all trades, and a friend to all whom he met. To say that he is irreplaceable is an understatement – reliable, honest, hard-working and fun to be around, he made us all better human beings just by being in his orbit. On behalf of the MEP, thank you for all you have done for thousands of students and families – Fly High, Skip, you will always be in our thoughts. Jim and Angela
Roger Bara says
I will miss him. He was a good friend.
Roger Bara says
Should say me and Kathy will miss him
Kirsten Crocker says
Pam, Jason & Levi,
My deepest condolences to you and your families. Mr. White was a great teacher and neighbor when I was in Hysham. Prayers to all.
Kirsten Belgarde Crocker
Vicki Hert says
Sending love and hugs to the family of “Mr. White”. One of my all time favorite teachers!! He helped shape so many people, touched many lives. Sorry to hear of his passIng.
Rosalie Schumachet says
Steve and I where so happy to meet Skip at Levi and Allison’s Wedding. Our Condolences to the families. Know we are holding you all in prayers, wishing we could make the trip out .
With love Steve and Rosalie Schumacher.
Rosalie Schumacher says
Steve and I where so happy to meet Skip at Levi and Allison’s Wedding. Our Condolences to the families. Know we are holding you all in prayers, wishing we could make the trip out .
With love Steve and Rosalie Schumacher.
Jo May says
What a great man we just lost. Skip was one of a kind. He was so much more to the students and community than just our favorite math teacher!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. The services were very nice today and I learned so much about him too!
Rhonda Isaacs says
It is so very hard to imagine Migrant Education without Skip. No words can fully describe the spirit and character with which he (and Pam) served in the migrant program. His humility, kindness, perseverance, and generosity were without end in every encounter I had with him in all the years of the MT / MN partnership. He truly modeled what it means to put others before yourself…I will forever cherish the friendship we had. My prayers continue for Pam and their family..
Morgan says
Pam and Levi and Jason he was great man great teacher and celebrated life for you wish you still and prayers all of you