TOGUS – With his loving family by his side, Ronald Francis White, 70, of Winthrop, passed away after a long battle with cancer on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the V.A. Medical Center in Togus.

He was born in Lyndonville, Vt., on Feb. 28, 1935, the son of Raymond and Madeline (Champagne) White.

Ron attended schools in Vermont before serving four years in the U.S. Navy, where he met his wife of 45 years, Patricia Vaillancourt.

An auto mechanic for most of his life, Ron enjoyed building and driving racecars. He took great pride when his two sons followed in his footsteps. After retiring from racing, he bought a bass boat and was able to enjoy many years fishing. He was also past vice president of Classic Bass Masters Fishing Club.

Ron’s family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff and volunteers at the Togus V.A. Hospital for the wonderful care and comfort extended to Ron and their family throughout his illness.

He is survived by his wife of what would have been 46 years on the 23rd of this month, Patricia White, of Winthrop; his two sons, Timothy White and his wife, Paula, and Jeffrey White and his wife, Michele, all of Winthrop; his daughter, Cathy Thomas and husband, Doug, of East Winthrop; one brother, David White, of Barton, Vt.; two sisters, Rosalie Rhodes of Newport, Vt., and Jeanie Davis of West Charleston, Vt.; 10 grandchildren, Michael Sage, Brittney and Justin White, Molly and Ryan Wiley, Erin Maschino, and Amanda, Nina, Margaret, and Duston Thomas; one great-grandson, Eben Hasenfus; six step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, and two brothers, Edward and Leo White.