David Allen White died on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 9, 1948, the son of Medwin and Lois White of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Dr. White was a graduate of the University of Minnesota, B.A., summa cum laude, 1970. He earned his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin inContinue Reading
left a message on May 23, 2025:
I remember Doc White with such much admiration and happiness! Phil, I remember our classes with him together and staying late just to soak up his wisdom. He gave me his copy of the collected works of Shakespeare that I keep on my bookshelf. What an honor to have that. He made me realize the depth of language, of faith, of the world itself in a way I never did before. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O God, and may perpetual light shine upon him!
left a message on May 9, 2025:
I will never forget the first time I walked into Doc White’s class as a Plebe 19 years ago. I was late and he showed me grace—something I have not forgotten to this day. The music I listen to when I work and study almost every day was a gift from him. He opened up Socrates, Solzhenitsyn, and Shakespeare, helping me access and appreciate the beauty of those works; what a wonderful, unforgettable man!
left a message on March 17, 2025:
I am saddened to hear of Dr. White's passing. He was a commanding intellect, a fearless promoter of what is true and beautiful, and one of the most influential teachers I've ever met. I never deployed without my "Complete Works" in the nearly 40 years I spent in uniform...and I ended my retirement speech with Sonnet 30, which Dr. White had me commit to memory in the 1980s. What a life...what a legacy. He will be missed.
left a message on March 17, 2025:
Rest well Dr. White: your students have taken up the watch and your imprint lives on. He was a true gentleman, scholar, and very quick wit. With sincere condolences to the White Family.
left a message on March 12, 2025:
My sincere condolences,DocWhite was an amazing and loving man.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
left a message on February 24, 2025:
Peace, comfort, and God's grace to Doctor White's family and friends.
left a message on February 24, 2025:
Many others have already said, yet so shall I:
I was fortunate to spend many hours in your classroom, onstage, in cast readings, backstage -- and the infamous Falstaff codpiece. "... He's in Arthur's bosom, if ever man went to Arthur's bosom. A' made a finer end and went away an it had been any christom child..."
As Christy Stanlake noted, he was a marvel as Prospero in Mahan. Beyond the famous, "we are such stuff as dreams are made on..."
His epilogue and exit moved me most:
"Now my charms are all o’erthrown,
And what strength I have ’s mine own,
Which is most faint.
... But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands.
... As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free."
Rest well, good doctor, rest well.
left a message on February 23, 2025:
I was in Dr White's Shakespeare class as a Youngster (sophomore) at the Naval Academy. His readings of the plays brought them alive like I had never imagined. Energetic, morally grounded, quick with reward or quiet (but deserved) opprobrium, I think he made me a better Marine Officer, and I served for 30 years.
left a message on February 22, 2025:
In memory of Dr. David Allen White, Toni Riea lit a candle
left a message on February 22, 2025:
He was a brilliant, dedicated professor who was truly authentic . Fair winds and following seas.
left a message on February 20, 2025:
To Paul, Caroline & family, and Patrick. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Dave. From Nan taking me as a kid to see him portray Captain Hook in Peter Pan to giving us a memorable tour of the Naval Academy. He was a kind, intelligent and thoughtful man who will be sorely missed by all. Please take care during this difficult time.
left a message on February 20, 2025:
I remember his literature conferences at the Winona, MN seminary he would often visit. He was good friends with the rector, Bishop Williamson (who passed away a few weeks ago). I was in charge of the seminary's audio department, so I recorded several of his conferences. I was very impressed by his wisdom and insights, especially about books vs. movies and the modern world.
left a message on February 19, 2025:
Simply the most impactful teacher I ever had. His influence, encouragement, and thoughtful challenging have stayed with me far beyond the boundaries of the classroom and hours of EI he made himself available for to myself and so many others. I believe many of us would tell you we needed to be around a poet-philosopher-scholar-mentor like Dr. White as much or more than we needed to academic help. Grateful to have had him in my life for a little while. His wisdom and words remain. Thank you, Doc White.
left a message on February 18, 2025:
To David’s family, Patrick and cherished friends, and fellow thespians, I send my love and heart-felt condolences. Doc David White’s persona was so grand and resonant that I cannot imagine a world without him. His voice still resonates in my memories and across the boards of Mahan Theatre: “We are such stuff/ As dreams are made on. . . .” Wishing you peace, my friend.
left a message on February 17, 2025:
Any words expressed serve only to underestimate the magnificence and dynamism of Doctor White. Let it be said that a child cannot be fooled. Almost instinctively, my children, one after the other, were mesmerized and excited in his presence. Nobody was ever so enchanting and colorful in conversation or in the recounting of tales. The gift of Doc's friendship was truly a blessing and a great gift from God...he will forever have left a mark on each of our lives.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Sleep well, old friend
left a message on February 15, 2025:
+Requiescat In Pace+
left a message on February 15, 2025:
I first encountered Dr. White while a seminarian in Winona, MN, when he came to deliver a talk on Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” in 2002, and I have enjoyed and benefited from his talks, books, and articles ever since. His profound insights into the literary greats helped draw out so much more water from those wellsprings of truth than I ever could have in a solitary reading, and this of course was his great gift and vocation as a teacher. I’m thankful that Dr. White leaves behind so many thoughts in his recorded and published works, where he can continue teaching generations who will never have had the pleasure of meeting him in person. God bless you, Dr. White.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Dr. David White taught and directed me and my shipmates at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1982-1986. By opening the treasure trove of Shakespeare in the classroom and on stage, he awakened in me an empathy that anchors me profoundly in humanity. He kindled a fire in me that burns nearly 40 years later. I remember him showing me a copy of Rembrandt's Polish Soldier in his office - and describing his calling to guide the way for young men and women. Guide the way he did - and inspires me still to guide young people as they launch into life. I am so grateful to have known him and to have been blessed by his wisdom, friendship, and direction. My sympathies to his family and to my shipmates and the many students he helped lunch into adulthood. He lives on in us all.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Mr. White was a wonderful mentor to me in my journey back to my faith. I had never left the church, but with the help of people like David White, I came back with a love and understanding that I never had before. Eternal rest!
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
In memory of Dr. David Allen White, Jim Newsome lit a candle
left a message on February 15, 2025:
I would also like to extend my condolences to David’s family. He has had a profound influence over my life even though I never met him in person. When Bishop Williamson died, I was moved to request a Mass to be said for David’s intentions, but it couldn’t be scheduled until March 23rd. I hope is already in heaven by then!
left a message on February 15, 2025:
To me, life as a mid often felt like a blur of just pushing through to the next class/practice/formation/inspection. Aside from peak moments, a lot of those long days are filled with somewhat hazy memories that seem blended together.
Without question, the moments from the classroom that stand out most clearly for me are the two courses I took from Doc White: Shakespeare (a requirement as an English major) and Dante’s Inferno. I remember looking forward to each class, being riveted by Doc White’s performances as a lecturer, and sitting in wonder as he would recite Dante in Italian so we could hear its intended lyrical impact. I recall thinking “now THIS is what education is supposed to be” (all offense intended to chem/calc/physics/weapons/thermo and the rest).
I convinced as many friends as possible to spend their precious few electives in his Shakespeare class, and then delighted in their shock at how impactful of an experience it was.
Thanks, Doc, for the zest you brought to teaching, the support you gave as we faltered through reciting soliloquies (after all, as he often reminded us, they were meant to be spoken/heard not read), the joyful glint in your eye as you pounded the podium mid lecture, the critical thinking you fostered, and the bright spots you brought me 3x a week.
I have 2 notebooks and 2 textbooks on my Sixth Wing, LLC office shelves from my USNA days. I am looking at them more fondly today, and remembering an amazing professor with a lot of gratitude.
Sending warm comfort to the extended White family for your loss.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Dave and Paul White are my double first cousins. We grew up together in Eau Claire, Wi. Dave was like my older Brother. I had two older Sisters who would get tired of baby Sister tagging along; but Dave was ALWAYS patient with Me and would take me along- even if it was only the two of us! I have many fond memories of growing up around Him. He was an extremely intelligent and kind man and will be greatly missed.
left a message on February 14, 2025:
David was the reason for my conversion even though we never met in-person.
Eternally grateful for who he was and what he did for and with others.
left a message on February 14, 2025:
I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Dr. White's close family and friends, especially Patrick McCarthy. David was a magnificent person and is responsible for my vocation as a literature teacher. After rabidly listening to his audiotape lectures for years, I finally got to meet him in person a few times and was subsequently able to keep up with him on the phone every month or so over the last decade. I will miss him very much, and I know that Dr. White wants nothing more from us than prayers, masses, penances, etc. offered for his soul - he can be assured of those from me for the rest of my life.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
left a message on May 23, 2025:
I remember Doc White with such much admiration and happiness! Phil, I remember our classes with him together and staying late just to soak up his wisdom. He gave me his copy of the collected works of Shakespeare that I keep on my bookshelf. What an honor to have that. He made me realize the depth of language, of faith, of the world itself in a way I never did before. Eternal rest, grant unto him, O God, and may perpetual light shine upon him!
left a message on May 9, 2025:
I will never forget the first time I walked into Doc White’s class as a Plebe 19 years ago. I was late and he showed me grace—something I have not forgotten to this day. The music I listen to when I work and study almost every day was a gift from him. He opened up Socrates, Solzhenitsyn, and Shakespeare, helping me access and appreciate the beauty of those works; what a wonderful, unforgettable man!
left a message on March 17, 2025:
I am saddened to hear of Dr. White's passing. He was a commanding intellect, a fearless promoter of what is true and beautiful, and one of the most influential teachers I've ever met. I never deployed without my "Complete Works" in the nearly 40 years I spent in uniform...and I ended my retirement speech with Sonnet 30, which Dr. White had me commit to memory in the 1980s. What a life...what a legacy. He will be missed.
left a message on March 17, 2025:
Rest well Dr. White: your students have taken up the watch and your imprint lives on. He was a true gentleman, scholar, and very quick wit. With sincere condolences to the White Family.
left a message on March 12, 2025:
My sincere condolences,DocWhite was an amazing and loving man.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
left a message on February 24, 2025:
Peace, comfort, and God's grace to Doctor White's family and friends.
left a message on February 24, 2025:
Many others have already said, yet so shall I:
I was fortunate to spend many hours in your classroom, onstage, in cast readings, backstage -- and the infamous Falstaff codpiece. "... He's in Arthur's bosom, if ever man went to Arthur's bosom. A' made a finer end and went away an it had been any christom child..."
As Christy Stanlake noted, he was a marvel as Prospero in Mahan. Beyond the famous, "we are such stuff as dreams are made on..."
His epilogue and exit moved me most:
"Now my charms are all o’erthrown,
And what strength I have ’s mine own,
Which is most faint.
... But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands.
... As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free."
Rest well, good doctor, rest well.
left a message on February 23, 2025:
I was in Dr White's Shakespeare class as a Youngster (sophomore) at the Naval Academy. His readings of the plays brought them alive like I had never imagined. Energetic, morally grounded, quick with reward or quiet (but deserved) opprobrium, I think he made me a better Marine Officer, and I served for 30 years.
left a message on February 22, 2025:
In memory of Dr. David Allen White, Toni Riea lit a candle
left a message on February 22, 2025:
He was a brilliant, dedicated professor who was truly authentic . Fair winds and following seas.
left a message on February 20, 2025:
To Paul, Caroline & family, and Patrick. I’m so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Dave. From Nan taking me as a kid to see him portray Captain Hook in Peter Pan to giving us a memorable tour of the Naval Academy. He was a kind, intelligent and thoughtful man who will be sorely missed by all. Please take care during this difficult time.
left a message on February 20, 2025:
I remember his literature conferences at the Winona, MN seminary he would often visit. He was good friends with the rector, Bishop Williamson (who passed away a few weeks ago). I was in charge of the seminary's audio department, so I recorded several of his conferences. I was very impressed by his wisdom and insights, especially about books vs. movies and the modern world.
left a message on February 19, 2025:
Simply the most impactful teacher I ever had. His influence, encouragement, and thoughtful challenging have stayed with me far beyond the boundaries of the classroom and hours of EI he made himself available for to myself and so many others. I believe many of us would tell you we needed to be around a poet-philosopher-scholar-mentor like Dr. White as much or more than we needed to academic help. Grateful to have had him in my life for a little while. His wisdom and words remain. Thank you, Doc White.
left a message on February 18, 2025:
To David’s family, Patrick and cherished friends, and fellow thespians, I send my love and heart-felt condolences. Doc David White’s persona was so grand and resonant that I cannot imagine a world without him. His voice still resonates in my memories and across the boards of Mahan Theatre: “We are such stuff/ As dreams are made on. . . .” Wishing you peace, my friend.
left a message on February 17, 2025:
Any words expressed serve only to underestimate the magnificence and dynamism of Doctor White. Let it be said that a child cannot be fooled. Almost instinctively, my children, one after the other, were mesmerized and excited in his presence. Nobody was ever so enchanting and colorful in conversation or in the recounting of tales. The gift of Doc's friendship was truly a blessing and a great gift from God...he will forever have left a mark on each of our lives.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Sleep well, old friend
left a message on February 15, 2025:
+Requiescat In Pace+
left a message on February 15, 2025:
I first encountered Dr. White while a seminarian in Winona, MN, when he came to deliver a talk on Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” in 2002, and I have enjoyed and benefited from his talks, books, and articles ever since. His profound insights into the literary greats helped draw out so much more water from those wellsprings of truth than I ever could have in a solitary reading, and this of course was his great gift and vocation as a teacher. I’m thankful that Dr. White leaves behind so many thoughts in his recorded and published works, where he can continue teaching generations who will never have had the pleasure of meeting him in person. God bless you, Dr. White.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Dr. David White taught and directed me and my shipmates at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1982-1986. By opening the treasure trove of Shakespeare in the classroom and on stage, he awakened in me an empathy that anchors me profoundly in humanity. He kindled a fire in me that burns nearly 40 years later. I remember him showing me a copy of Rembrandt's Polish Soldier in his office - and describing his calling to guide the way for young men and women. Guide the way he did - and inspires me still to guide young people as they launch into life. I am so grateful to have known him and to have been blessed by his wisdom, friendship, and direction. My sympathies to his family and to my shipmates and the many students he helped lunch into adulthood. He lives on in us all.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Mr. White was a wonderful mentor to me in my journey back to my faith. I had never left the church, but with the help of people like David White, I came back with a love and understanding that I never had before. Eternal rest!
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
In memory of Dr. David Allen White, Jim Newsome lit a candle
left a message on February 15, 2025:
I would also like to extend my condolences to David’s family. He has had a profound influence over my life even though I never met him in person. When Bishop Williamson died, I was moved to request a Mass to be said for David’s intentions, but it couldn’t be scheduled until March 23rd. I hope is already in heaven by then!
left a message on February 15, 2025:
To me, life as a mid often felt like a blur of just pushing through to the next class/practice/formation/inspection. Aside from peak moments, a lot of those long days are filled with somewhat hazy memories that seem blended together.
Without question, the moments from the classroom that stand out most clearly for me are the two courses I took from Doc White: Shakespeare (a requirement as an English major) and Dante’s Inferno. I remember looking forward to each class, being riveted by Doc White’s performances as a lecturer, and sitting in wonder as he would recite Dante in Italian so we could hear its intended lyrical impact. I recall thinking “now THIS is what education is supposed to be” (all offense intended to chem/calc/physics/weapons/thermo and the rest).
I convinced as many friends as possible to spend their precious few electives in his Shakespeare class, and then delighted in their shock at how impactful of an experience it was.
Thanks, Doc, for the zest you brought to teaching, the support you gave as we faltered through reciting soliloquies (after all, as he often reminded us, they were meant to be spoken/heard not read), the joyful glint in your eye as you pounded the podium mid lecture, the critical thinking you fostered, and the bright spots you brought me 3x a week.
I have 2 notebooks and 2 textbooks on my Sixth Wing, LLC office shelves from my USNA days. I am looking at them more fondly today, and remembering an amazing professor with a lot of gratitude.
Sending warm comfort to the extended White family for your loss.
left a message on February 15, 2025:
Dave and Paul White are my double first cousins. We grew up together in Eau Claire, Wi. Dave was like my older Brother. I had two older Sisters who would get tired of baby Sister tagging along; but Dave was ALWAYS patient with Me and would take me along- even if it was only the two of us! I have many fond memories of growing up around Him. He was an extremely intelligent and kind man and will be greatly missed.
left a message on February 14, 2025:
David was the reason for my conversion even though we never met in-person.
Eternally grateful for who he was and what he did for and with others.
left a message on February 14, 2025:
I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to Dr. White's close family and friends, especially Patrick McCarthy. David was a magnificent person and is responsible for my vocation as a literature teacher. After rabidly listening to his audiotape lectures for years, I finally got to meet him in person a few times and was subsequently able to keep up with him on the phone every month or so over the last decade. I will miss him very much, and I know that Dr. White wants nothing more from us than prayers, masses, penances, etc. offered for his soul - he can be assured of those from me for the rest of my life.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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