Richard Paul "Rich" White

Richard “Rich” White passed away at his home in La Porte, Indiana on October 26, 2025, after a brave battle with prostate cancer. His wife, Paulina, was by his side. Rich was born on July 3, 1957, in Butte, Montana, to Frank and Iris White. One of thirteen children, he grew up in a big, close family where laughter and fun were part of everyday life. The White house was never quiet, and Rich was usually at the center of it all, keeping everyone laughing. He attended Butte schools and graduated from Butte High in 1975. In 1977, he married Pam Haxby-Cote, and together they had two children, Heather and Andy. Though they later divorced, they remained friends. Rich lived in several states over the years including Montana, Washington, Oregon, Nebraska, and finally Indiana. Along the way, he met the love of his life, Paulina, in La Pine, Oregon. They married in October 2009 and shared many years of love, laughter, and adventure. Rich loved being outdoors, especially horseback riding, hunting, fishing, golfing and skiing. His sense of humor was quick and clever, and he had a natural gift for making people laugh. Whether it was a one-liner, a story from his younger days, or an impersonation, Rich had a way of turning any moment into a funny one. Rich is survived by his wife Paulina; his children Heather (Jeff) Choquette and Andy (Laura) White; stepdaughters Jasmine (Ken) Brooks and Heather Peck; grandchildren Ashley and Adam Choquette, Sam Misplon, Amelia and Xander Fincher, Abigayle and Isabella Brooks, and Andrew Christian; and great-grandchildren Colby Misplon, Daisy Veronesi, and Sebastian Richards. He is also survived by his brothers John (Peggy), Jim (Shelly), and Ron (Melody) White; his sisters Donna Campanella, Elaine (Rod) Holm, Cheryl Collins, Bev (John) Orr, and Debbie (Colton) Beard; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Iris; brothers Frank and Bill; sister in-law Rose White, Sisters Arlene White and Judy Wulf, brothers-in-law John Wulf and Larry Campanella; and nephews Billy White, Larry Campanella Jr., and Wayne White. At Rich’s request, a celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2026, his style, which means plenty of laughter, stories, good food, and fun. An official date will be announced at a later time.

Tributes

Richard Paul "Rich" White

July 3, 1957 - October 26, 2025