Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE – Mr. Morris E. White, age 83, of 58 Laughing Road, Racquette Point, unexpectedly passed away at his home Tuesday morning, April 22, 2014.

 Morris was born November 26, 1930 at the family home in Akwesasne, the son of the late Nelson and Adeline White.  He attended schools on the Reservation.  Morris first married Hilda Mary Bero; they were blessed with three children, Darwin, Terry, and Jamie.  Hilda tragically predeceased him on October 11, 1965.  On April 21, 1968, he married Josephine M. Thompson; they shared 40 years of marriage before her death on August 19, 2008. 

Morris was a longtime ironworker first working with a local in Rochester before going to work for Local 440 in Utica.  At the time of his retirement, Morris had worked iron for 55 years and was currently one of only 3 ironworkers holding the oldest book on the Reserve.   When he was younger, he was an avid trapper and built a scow for his trapping adventures.  In addition, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and was an avid fiddle player.  He and his late wife enjoyed many days at their "Muskrat Lounge".  He was a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group and the Hogansburg Methodist Church.

 Morris is survived by his children and their spouses, Darwin and Cindy White of Ottawa; Terry White of Rooseveltown; and Jamie and Ted Porter of Akwesasne; his step-daughter and her husband, Sandra and Roy Garrow of Akwesasne; a chosen son, Gary Oakes of Akwesasne; his grandchildren, Sam Jr. and Shannon Garrow, Ross and Amanda Garrow, Trish and Chris Keese, Odie Garrow, Natalie and Ren White, Joelle Porter, Isaac and Monica White, and Melissa White; his step grandchildren, Lenny and Muffitt Garrow; 13 great grandchildren; 4 step-great grandchildren; his sister, Dulcie Bradley of Akwesasne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 He was predeceased by his brothers, Charles White of August 11, 1979, Wilbert White on February 1, 1981, Reginald "Reggie" White on August 14, 2012, and twins in infancy; and three sisters, Florence W. Bonaparte on December 25, 1985; Shirley Aldrich on April 3, 2003; and Jessie C. Diebow on February 20, 2008.

 A memorial service celebrating Morris' life will be held Monday, April 28, 2014, 11:00 am at the Hogansburg Methodist Church with Rev. Donald Alexander, officiating.  There will be no calling hours.

 Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.