Marvin Ray “Peter” White

1955 - 2025  

After a ten year journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Peter passed peacefully at the Magnolia in Enfield, NS on Wednesday November 19th at the age of 70.

Peter was born in North Noel Road on July 26, 1955, the oldest son of Roderick and Esther (Harvie) White. After completing grade nine he left school and joined the Labourers Local 615 Union to work alongside his father and Uncle. He loved working in construction and met many lifelong friends at various job sites throughout the province, but primarily in Halifax – Dartmouth area; with companies like Dineen, Ellis Don, Pomerleau, Lindsay’s and PCL.

In 1977 he married Michelle McKeen and moved to Enfield, but his heart remained in Noel Road and he visited often, enjoying card games with the boys and hanging out with his siblings. He loved parties and music and never missed an opportunity to join in when the guitar or fiddle came out.

Peter loved sports, especially hockey and ball. His favorite teams were the Montreal Canadiens and Expos, but later grew to enjoy the Blue Jays when the Expos team folded. He played hockey for many years with the Noel Road team in the Border League in Lantz, then in Brooklyn and back to Lantz with the Noel Road Flyers. He also played with the Irving Big Stoppers in the East Hants Seniors Gentleman’s league. 

He was a player/coach/manager of the Noel Road Alpines softball team and the team enjoyed much success in their time together. He formed many friendships through his sports involvement and was well known in the hockey community of East Hants. He was very proud when his two sons carried on the tradition of playing both hockey and softball and he enjoyed attending their games, right up until 2022 when his illness prevented that participation.

Although very social Peter was a private man who did not express his feelings in words, but showed them in action. He could be counted on to help out anyone in need, and supported his family and friends unconditionally.

He was proud to support the East Hants Jr B Penguins by volunteering at TV Bingo with John Butt, and worked on the construction crew building the ‘Penguin’ house in Lantz, with Melvin Nelson and his team.

Peter is survived by his wife of 48 years, Michelle (McKeen), daughter Jodi Raylene, sons Trevor Alexander and Ian Russell (Ashley); sisters Shirley ‘Susie’ (Buck) and Marilyn; nieces Tosha (Tony), Ashley (Rob) and Victoria; nephew Gregory (Jena). Also survived by his in-law families of Cathy Dickson, Marie McKeen, Jim (Brad) McKeen, Christine MacAskill, Alan (Louise) McKeen, Eleanor (Bill) Clarke, Tom McKeen; as well as Aunts Julia White, Patsy Ettinger and numerous  nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews, Makaiya, Jaxon, Nevashya, Reginae, Arianna, Lachlan, Emery and Isaac who held a special place in his heart.

He was predeceased by his parents Rod & Esther, siblings Ferne, Dawson and Craig ‘Bimbo’; parents-in-law Alex & Mary McKeen; brothers- in- law Barry White, Wade White and Wayne MacAskill; sister- in- law Kathy Brown, as well as many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

The family thank everyone who has supported Peter through his journey, especially Eleanor and Christine, Emerson and Kevin, as well as the caring and dedicated staff of the Magnolia, especially those in Honeysuckle Cottage.

The family will gather at the Enfield Legion on Saturday, December 6th from 2 – 4 pm to share stories and celebrate Peter’s life. This will be a casual time with a few words at 2 pm, followed by fellowship as we support each other and bid farewell to a life well lived.

If so desired, donations to the Nova Scotia Alzheimer’s Society are greatly appreciated.