We Remember
WHITE, Karns Albert
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
KARNS ALBERT WHITE, 97 of Kelowna, BC, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2016.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Karns was born in April, 1919, to Ralph (Bob) and Anna White, in Herreid, South Dakota. In 1941, he married his childhood sweetheart, Viola (Vi) Suess, in Ellensburg, Washington. They began their life together in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Throughout his life, Karns was determined to be in the right place at the right time. To further his career with Sears Roebuck and Company, the family moved frequently; residing in Iowa, Wisconsin, Ontario, Alberta and since 1971, Kelowna, British Columbia.
Karns was a very proactive, hands-on manager and was known for his expertise in bringing a store to a profitable position quickly. He was admired by his colleagues and held a reputation for being fair, caring and respectful – treating all he met equally and with dignity. He brought these attributes to all areas of his life.
Wherever he lived, in Canada or the U.S., Karns was involved with his church community. He was a much beloved teacher of the adult class at Trinity Baptist Church in Kelowna, BC. Over the years, he acted as a deacon, chairman of the finance and building committees and as a Sunday school superintendent.
Within his local environment, Karns actively supported the arts including theatre, the symphony, and many other cultural endeavors. He was an enthusiastic sports fan – hockey, curling, football, basketball, baseball, soccer – and helped arrange for local team sponsorships. When he retired, he undertook the task of organizing the Kelowna Food Bank making good use of his skills and contacts from the business world. The first organizational meetings of the Okanagan Mission Home Owners Association were held in his living room.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Karns was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed many big game hunts in Alberta and BC with his brother and always returned with wonderful tales to tell. He was a lifelong student of Canadian history and enjoyed exploring the sites of the many famous battles and important historical events in Canada and the US.
Karns was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Viola (Vi) White; his brother Hartson White; sisters Mary Hoerth and Phoebe Seibel; and his grandson David Bogaardt.
He is survived by his daughters Karen Patterson and Patricia O’Leary (Alan); son John White (Diana); grandchildren Melanie Sluggett (Brian) and Peter O’Leary (Larkin), Stephanie Morrison (Steve), Brian White; great grandchildren Jessica Barr (Josh), Jordan Sluggett (Taryn), Cameron Sluggett, McKenzie Sluggett, Taylor Beggs, Sarah Beggs, and James O’Leary; and great-great grandchildren Lemmy Barr and Liam Haller.
Karns is lovingly remembered and missed by all who knew him, especially by his family.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Village at Smith Creek, West Kelowna for their loving care and attention through Karns’ final weeks of life.
Services will be held on Saturday, May 14th 2016 at 4:00pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC VIY5V8 Canada. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, May 14th 2016 at 4:00pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home,
Dear family, our love and prayers are with you and for you today and tomorrow. Your wonderful dad, grandfather, great grandfather is at home with his precious wife and others who have proceeded him. He has been promoted into the Lord’s presence, who he loved and served. Our lives are richer because of his influence and he has passed on a great legacy to each of us. His integrity, character, service, love for the Lord and his love for life has inspired all of us. Uncle Karns will be greatly missed, and we share in your sense of love knowing we will meet again. Skip & Gale Bennett
We’re so sorry to hear that Karns has passed away! I always enjoyed visiting with him. He had so many great stories to share of his adventures but it was his faith in Jesus Christ that connected us. He has gone and he’ll be missed but, he has now joined Vi in the Lord’s presence forever!
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Karns. He was one of the finest people I have ever met.
Jim Steward. Sears-Kelowna 1970-1980
Karns was a best friend to my dad, Henry Bickel, in their younger years. My dad’s face would “light up” when he knew Karns was coming to SD so they could visit in their latter years. Now they are together in the presence of their Lord and Savior sharing life together once again forever.
Our sincere condolences in the passing of Mr. White. Sorry many years of fond memories not to be forgotten by his visits to the Barbershop. Especially recently when he would come half an hour earlier to have coffee before his haircut. “double, double” he would always say and we gladly served him. He was so loyal to Lou for over 40 years, as who could give him a better brush cut than the master himself. A wonderful gentleman with a kind heart, and oh so passionate about his family. God bless his family, and may he rest in peace with the love of his life.