Kenneth H White

Ken was born on October 31st, 1940. He entered Heaven's gates on February 12, 2020. He was 79 years old. He was a member of the Springfield Baptist Chapel.

Ken was the oldest son of Harry and Lucille (VanDam) White, and one of five siblings: Shirley, who was one year older than Ken, David, Ronnie, and then came Linda, who was the baby. He grew up in south-central Saskatchewan and was named after his grandfather, Herman Van Dam, who was a Dutchman. Ken was thrilled to be able to take his mother and daughter to Holland in the 1980s to visit long-lost relatives.

When Ken was 10 years old his dad died of an aneurism. He said his Mom stayed on the farm, and he learned to drive tractor alongside a neighbor whom Ken considered a mentor. Ken really did go to school in a horse and buggy! When the weather was nice he said they rode bicycles--Ken peddled his brother David to school. He attended a country school until grade 6, and after that, they bussed to school in Davidson, Saskatchewan.

Ken lived in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for 22 years before relocating to Springfield, Colorado. Ken has one child, a daughter, Sandra Christine, born February 10, 1968. He called Sandy "The Light of my life." Father and daughter made many memories during the road trip adventures Ken often planned for them.

Beulah Collins introduced him to Ginger in the summer of 1990. Ken and Ginger were married a year later, on 6-10-1991, and he made his home in Springfield. He applied for and earned his American citizenship shortly after they were married. He made sure his family knew a long time ago that "Springfield is my home". He told us he wanted to be buried in Springfield, where he had created family, friends, and many wonderful new memories.

Ken was an over the road truck driver most of his adult life. He hauled cattle and hay in his 20s. He hauled produce from California to Florida and hanging beef through the British Columbia Mountains in Canada. He trucked from Calgary to Ft. Worth, and counted many more miles and saw many more places throughout North America. When he was 54 years of age, he started driving for Marten Transport, where he was frequently recognized for his safe driving record and was honored by the company with a "Million Mile Award". We are confident Ken drove several million miles in his career.

Once Ken retired from Martin Transport, he drove Activity Bus for the Springfield School District for a few years--Those were good times--driving for ball games, and school field trips. But then he decided to apply for a contract delivering the US Mail. He got the contract and worked for another 5 1/2 years.  Who starts a new job at 69 years of age? He loved hauling the mail, and met many good people and made many good friends from Springfield to Kim. He really retired at 75--It's only been four years that Ken has truly been retired.

Ken was a medical miracle and a fighter till the end. In his 79 years, he survived a kidney transplant (2010), a brain surgery, two hip fractures, a broken pelvis, a broken leg, a shoulder surgery, multiple eye surgeries, and he lived 26 months with stage 4 prostate cancer that had spread throughout his bones. Ken was so knowledgeable about his medications and his body, he taught the nurses something new during every hospital stay!

Ken was blessed with many dear friends and church family members who helped him get back and forth to doctor's appointments, who ministered to him spiritually, and who drove his pickup for him when he couldn't see to drive it himself. Please don't hold it against him that he drove a Chevy.

He lost his companion and walking partner, his little Jack Russell Terrier named Jake last fall. Ken loved that little dog. Many of you can still close your eyes and recall a memory of Ken and Jake out on their daily walks. Ken was also a hockey fan--He was born a Canadian. He also loved the Denver Broncos and the Colorado Rockies!

Ken enjoyed coffee with the guys at NAPA, he enjoyed watching game shows until his vision failed, and he loved to go to church! He was confident in his Salvation, and he once told Debbie during one of their road trips, "I'll get a new body in Heaven.... and it will be perfect." Ken is survived by his wife Ginger, his daughter Sandy (Ian Grieve) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, His step-children Robby (Rachel) Batterton of Windsor, Colorado & Williston, North Dakota, and Debbie (Kyle) Sharpe, grandchildren Jarron (Tyslea), Jordan & Emily Sharpe & great-grandchildren Emerlyn & Emery Sharpe, all of Baca County. Ken is also survived by his sister Shirley, brother Ronnie, his close cousin, Laurine and family, a niece, many nephews, and a host of friends near and far.

Ken was preceded in death by: his parents Harry and Lucille, step-father Laurence Paetz, brothers-in-law Harry (Shirley) and Ron B. (Linda), sisters-in-law Brenda (David) and Linda (Ron W.). He was also preceded in death by a step-daughter Darlene Smith.

We sincerely apologize for anyone we may have missed.

The family requests memorial donations be made in Ken's memory to the SECHD Cancer Transportation Fund (373 E. 10th Ave.), or Springfield Baptist Chapel(401 Pinion St.).