Mark Andrew White died on August 21, 2024. He was 70 years old and was born in Columbus, Ohio, on May 28, 1954. He is survived by his partner of 14 years, Lisa Kreischer; his daughter, Katherine (Dave) Southard; grandsons Ben and Oliver; sister Martha (Chuck) Hill, sister-in-law Virginia Ellen White, brother Peter (Charlotte Moyler) White; brother-in-law Andrew P. Jones, brother-in-law Matthew E. (Cynthia) Jones, sister-in-law Lisa (Jon) Shafer, brother-in-law Dan (Julie) Jones, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John K. and Mary Jeanne White, his brother, John R. White, parents-in-law Robert E. and Virginia Jones, brother-in-law R. Michael Jones, and his wife, Patricia Jones White.
Mark grew up in Bexley, Ohio. He attended Bexley and The Columbus Academy before graduating in 1972. Mark attended both Bowling Green and Ohio State University, graduating with a degree in economics. At OSU he met his wife, Patricia. They enjoyed 33 years of marriage before she passed away in 2009. Mark's first job was managing One Design, a small sailboat store in Minerva Park in Columbus. There, he honed his sailboat knowledge, a skill that was the envy of many sailors around Central Ohio, where he was known as a boat-rigging "savant." From there, he enjoyed a 30+ year career at Nationwide Insurance before retiring in 2010. Since then, he has had a fulfilling life serving his two passions: Stratford Ecological Center and Hoover Sailing Club (HSC). He volunteered at Stratford as treasurer and board member. But his favorite role was working every Tuesday as a farmhand. He loved taking cattle to market, cutting and bailing hay and driving the hay wagon at events on the farm. Mark also volunteered at Hoover Sailing Club for over 50 years, being the longest-tenured member of the club. Over the years, he served as Commodore, board member, and treasurer.
Mark was a lifetime sailor, beginning when he was a teen. He first sailed a Lightning, then Thistles, Snipes, Lasers, and Interlakes. But his favorite was the MC Scow. He was a proud member of Hoover's "Scowboys," racing in regional competitions. His dedication to the sport of One Design racing led him to many volunteer leadership roles. Everyone loved him for his competitive nature, kindness, and wisdom on and off the water. And, of course, for rigging and fixing everyone's boats.
Mark's dedication to helping others was a significant part of his life. He and his partner, Lisa, enjoyed traveling and volunteering, and cherished their time with their grandsons in Florida. But it was his commitment to helping friends, family, sailors, farmhands, and others that truly defined him. His kindness and willingness to lend a hand left a lasting impact on those around him, and will be remembered as his legacy.
A celebration of life memorial will be held on October 20th, 2024 from 4-6pm at Hoover Sailing Club, 4250 Smothers Road, Westerville, Ohio 43082.
Donations to the Stratford Ecological Center at stratfordecologicalcenter.org
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