Ralph Leonard White

June 20, 1932 - August 3, 2020

Ralph Leonard White passed away peacefully on August 3rd, 2020. He was 88. Born June 20th, 1932 to Eric and Gladys White in Kitchener, Ontario Canada, he lost his mother at a young age so his sisters, Joan Dingman, (deceased) and Norma Leslie stepped up to raise their little brother. Jim White, (deceased) was Ralph's only brother. He spoke lovingly of all his siblings, but Jim and Ralph were best friends growing up. Ralph graduated High School in 1949 and was very active playing hockey as well as being an amateur boxer. He won 19 of 24 matches. He was also a bit of a pool hustler in his early years. Golfing was a favorite hobby throughout Ralph's life, having a total of 7 holes in ones. He was a boy scout leader as well. His oldest son, Randy, was in his group and enjoyed the outdoors together. Ralph met his future wife, "Margie" a year after graduating. They had 3 children throughout their 68 year marriage. Randy White, who married Sherry, Roberta (Bobbi) Burk, who married Doug (deceased) and Greg White, who married MaryGrace.  There are a total of 8 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.

   Ralph worked hard his whole life. He painted with brother Jim in Canada as well as became a MP in the Canadian Army stationed in Germany. In 1963, Ralph decided to move to California with Margie and Randy to make a better life for his family. He found work quickly at Skyline Mobile Homes in Hemet until he got hired at Deutsch Company and worked there for 13 years. While attending a meeting in Oceanside, he met a friend who introduced him to Barbershop singing. In 1975, Ralph joined the Pal-Pac Chapter in Vista and never looked back. In 1976 he joined the Riverside Chapter, the Citrus Belters, and became a lead singer in a popular quartet called The Funtones. They won the very first comedy quartet contest they entered with a baby buggy routine that had the judges laughing so hard, they had tears in their eyes. The Funtones went on to become a very popular group that entertained all over Riverside County for many years. Ralph was an asset to any singing group he stood with! During this time, Ralph also bought his own evaporative cooler business called Whites Coolers. Margie worked in the shop while Ralph worked on roofs and windows. Son Greg, was a big help as well. After departing from Barbershop singing, Ralph discovered karaoke singing through his daughter, Bobbi. It didn't take long for that bug to bite hard. Ralph was a natural entertainer and an amazing vocalist. He wowed the crowds everywhere he went with his charisma and jokes. They knew him and loved him everywhere he went. New York, New York by Frank Sinatra will never be the same. Soon, Margie started singing too and when they sang Bye Bye Love together, it was the cutest thing ever! When asked in the year 2000 who his favorite singer was, he said it was his daughter, Bobbi. Singing, golfing, traveling, camping and family. These are the things he loved. We will miss you! I truly hope your singing up there with the angels