Leland White

In Loving Memory of Leland S. White

Leland S. White, age 89, of Sequim, WA, passed away on November 4th, 2025, due to heart complications. He had hoped for a little more quality of life and a few more holes of golf, but his heart gave out.

Lee was born on February 22, 1936, in Thayne, WY, to the late Orlan White and Laura White-Coy. He was one of ten siblings who grew up working hard at an early age contributing to the family and working farm. His days were filled with chores, farming, milking cows twice a day, driving cattle, training & racing horses, and logging trees. Based on the many stories he also found time for some mischief.

He met the love of his life, Janice T. White, at Star Valley high school. The start of their everlasting romantic love story was like a rose - a small bud getting to know each other, that then blossomed into the most beautiful flower, of love, friendship, joy and delight throughout their many years together. The love story never ended, even beyond the life of Janice, who passed away in 2017 from Dementia. Their song, “May I have this Dance”, is playing and they are gliding across the room together again.

Lee touched many lives, starting with being a passionate and enthusiastic educator - teaching Math & Biology in Pocatello, Idaho. He moved to Yakima, WA in 1967 and taught at Eisenhower High School for many years and then at West Valley High School in 1981. He loved science and started teaching Chemistry, after receiving his master’s degree during a summer in Topeka, KS – with all the family in a trailer. He was the driving force in the introduction and adoption of Computer Science while at IKE and West Valley.

He patiently coached, guided, supported and motivated multiple young athletes in football, basketball and his favorites - Track & Field and Cross Country. If you knew him or were one of his athletes, you would remember his excitement – that look on his face – during every event or race, cheering everyone on. No matter the outcome, he always had positive words to rally the athletes and bring the teams closer together.

Lee’s career transitioned into School Administration as Activities Director and Athletic Director, and the fun never stopped. Oh, the ideas and enthusiasm that sprung out of him. He had an unwavering positive attitude and love of life. He was motivational and will be remembered for his “Kill ‘em with Kindness” motto and “Everyone is Good” approach to life. Plus, that twinkle of excitement seen in his eyes.

After moving to Sequim, WA in 2014 he played a large role at Dominion Terrace Condo’s and HOA as President (multiple terms), vice president, Finance committee, landscaping committee and more. His ideas and commitment helped grow and strengthen the Association, provide ideas and options for better efficiency and how to track them. Keeping costs down was always a priority, but

relationships were what meant the most. He enjoyed working closely with the amazing staff and other residents to continually accomplish their goals.

Golf was his favorite hobby, enjoying it with close friends or family on many local courses or traveling to Chelan, Phoenix, the Carolinas, or all the way to Scottland to explore new courses. He was a patient teacher to anyone interested in learning golf and loved the chance to play with his grandson, Andy. How did his ball always seem to travel down the middle of the fairway?

Lee was a loving father to Tammy White (Sequim, WA) and Pam Nelson (Bothell, WA). He instilled good morales and values and “there is always a way to fix it” in both of his girls. His grandchildren, Alex Dukes (husband Jermaine), Aliy Nelson and Andy Nelson, understand how lucky they are to have had this amazing man (Papa) in their lives. Papa was a little kid with his grandkids and always ready for a water gun fight, swinging or climbing in the walnut tree, tinkering or walnut sorting in the garage or playing games. He believed in them and supported each of their activities and dreams. Caden Jaymes Dukes (4-months), his first great-grandson, brought a new level of joy and happiness to his life.

Lee is survived by sister’s Phyllis Bendixsen and Oleta Hunter, sister-in-law’s Linda Treloar and Lela White, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Lee will be scheduled early in 2026 and allow us to gather and share the many stories about him and how he impacted those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the following meaningful options in his honor. “Planting a Tree” in Honor of Lee White-available on the Bradley-Kosec Funeral Home website, a donation to Planned Parenthood of Greater WA & North ID or a donation made to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.

Lee’s love of life, wonderful story telling, contagious laugh, optimistic outlook, caring and kindness for others will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Please share a memory or photo to the online guestbook below.