Bathurst - The family wishes to announce the passing of Basil White, formerly of St. Camille St., Bathurst, which occurred Sunday at the Robert L. Knowles Veterans Unit, Bathurst at the age of 89.

Born in Bathurst, he was the son of the late Leo and Catherine (Melanson) White.

He is survived by his wife of 67.5 years, Gilberte (Robichaud) White.

His seven children:  David (Gwyneth) of Stratford, PEI, Michael (Gail) of Bathurst, Maurice (Rebecca) of Burlington, ON, Lorraine Richey (David) of Dartmouth, NS, Roderick (Linda) of Bathurst, Donna Morrison (Lloyd) of Bathurst and Doreen Densmore (Bruce) of Fall River, NS.

20 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. 

He also leaves three sisters: Rena Arseneau of Dalhousie, Anne Gauthier of Ottawa, ON and Jenny Pitre (Raymond) of Jacksonville, Fl. 

He was pre-deceased by two infant sons: John and Robert, as well as his brothers: Mont and Urban and his sisters: Olive and Evangeline.

He was a veteran of World War II having served in Belgium and Holland and was a member of the Herman J. Good, V.C. Br. 18 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Bathurst.  He worked at the former Consolidated Bathurst Paper Mill retiring in 1984 after 43 years of service.  He was a member of the Holy Family Council 12031 Knights of Columbus and the Msgr Wheten Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

The family would like to thank Father Culligan for his support and the staff at the Robert L. Knowles Veterans Unit for the kind, compassionate and loving care he received while a resident there.  As well, we would like to thank Elizabeth Ryan for her care and devotion as well as the neighbors who were always there when needed.

The body will rest after 2 p.m. Tuesday at Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday morning (August 1, 2012) at 11 a.m. from Holy Family Church, Bathurst.  Visting hours are Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral.  Donations in memory of Basil may be made to the Robert L. Knowles Veterans Unit, SPCA, the Alzheimer's Society or a favorite charity.