Obituary of John White

John White

With heavy hearts and deep sadness, the family announces the passing of John Russell White of Ottawa at the Ruddy Shenkman Hospice in Kanata on Monday evening, May 11, 2026.

He was 72 years of age.

Dear brother of Holly Schut (Ray) of Etobicoke and Barbara White (Al Jarvo) of Woodlawn.

Uncle to Shannon Vander Doelen and Sarah Schut of Etobicoke.

Predeceased by his brother, Robert Gordon (a.k.a. "Bob") White of Ottawa.

Son of the late G. Russell and (writer and poet) Jane Belfry (nee Appleton) White of Ottawa (pen name "Jane Jordan").

Grandson of founding (Harper-) Collins president and publisher Franklin Fletcher Appleton of Toronto.

John was a dear and gentle soul who lived a quiet, cerebral life and - with grace and a keen intellect - tread very softly on this earth.

He had a passion for watching hockey games and debating politics with his father; scrabbling around in nature for turtles and curious amphibians; going on fishing trips in Ontario and Quebec with his friends; baking desserts and jams with his sister; collecting old movies and TV series; immersing himself in the "Star Trek" universe; and consistently winning at boardgames like "Monopoly" and "Risk" and "Scrabble" much to the general amusement and consternation of family and friends. It was John's singular and sustained devotion to his parents' and his brother's lives and well-being, however, that  irrevocably punctuated - and admirably defined - his life.

John’s final care has been entrusted to the

Pilon Family Funeral Home in Arnprior.

For those wishing to remember John in a special way, the family invites you to consider a donation to Hospice Care Ottawa - whose tender and loving mercies (along with that of his sisters) embraced John in his final weeks and hours on this blessed earth.

Rest in Peace, dearest brother.

We salute your humble life of devotion and service to your parents and your brother, and honour your beloved and now sacred memory.