Thomas William White's Obituary
The patriarch of his family and a pillar of guidance and support to all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kate. Together they proudly raised five boys: Chris (Val), Tom (Joy), Sean, Eamon (Corinne), and Dan (Emily). Though some were not his own, Tom loved them all as if they were. He cared for each member of his family – Kate, his five sons, four daughters-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Tom was previously married and is survived by his ex-wife Patricia O’Shea White. He made every effort to be present for everyone, especially the children.
Tom had a diverse and durable working career: beginning as a bus boy, ending as a Board member, and so much in between.
After early community activism led to his election in 1964 to the Michigan legislature representing Detroit, he became particularly focused on finance and affordable housing. A visionary with a passion. Leading his industry for many years, working hard so that other hardworking American families could have safe and affordable housing.
From the legislature, he took his passion and vision to the Michigan State Housing Agency and later to Washington, DC in 1978 where he directed Bond Finance Programs at Housing and Urban Development. He was an executive director of the Council of State Housing Agencies, and an investment banker with Bear Stearns.
Finally, he worked for many years at Fannie Mae, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of policies for Fannie Mae multifamily programs. Even after retiring he continued to lend his expertise in the field: serving on several boards, including Centerline Holding Company and Enterprise Community Investment.
With more than just a passion for housing and despite the long hours of work, Tom found time to play sports and to commune with nature, often with his children. He was a believer in the outdoors and the discipline of physical exercise. From his days pitching softball in East Lansing to his legendary basketball tournament play at the Fannie Mae conferences, he loved his teammates and the competition. He loved camping and backpacking on the shores of Lake Michigan: fishing in the Platte River south of Traverse Bay, hunting game at Rose Lake, camping on islands in lake Saint Clair, sailing out of Pentwater exploring Lake Michigan, anchoring off the islands of Florida, and exploring the Chesapeake Bay.
Tom loved being on and around water. From his time captaining an O’Day day sailor, to living on his 56’ Jefferson, Tom loved boating and missed the water when he was away from it.
A voracious reader and a profoundly deep thinker who was, when not reading or deep in thought, an incessant talker. As intense in silence as he was when speaking. Overflowing with words, he could command a conversation with anyone.
With wit and charm, he was a tremendous teller of stories. Possessed with an encyclopedic memory and knowledge of history, politics, philosophy and sometimes, esoterica. Tom never shied from an argument or the exploration of an idea. “Words matter.” For those who argued with him it was often both trying and illuminating. He would share a fact, or a truth that would rend your well-thought arguments for naught.
Well-travelled and well liked. From Michigan to Maryland, California to Florida. Ann Arbor to Annapolis. Wayne State to Washington, D.C. Tom was respected and loved by many.
Tom was tough and set a high bar when it came to standards and ethics. His goals were always clear to see but he knew that it was individuals and relationships that produced results. He believed anyone could succeed. It did not matter to him gender, or race. He was especially proud of his work with the NAACP during his activism in Detroit. A recent recipient of a coin from Alcoholics Anonymous marking 50 years of recovery, Tom shared a common bond with, and helped many people. Recently, he served on the board of Turning Point, the nation’s largest methadone clinic, located in Baltimore.
Tom was a good man, who lived a very full life - truly one of a kind. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's name to Hillsdale College online by visiting: https://www.hillsdale.edu/alumni/alumni-get-involved/ways-to-give/ or by mail:
Make your personal or business check or money order payable to Hillsdale College, and mail it to:
attn: Institutional Advancement
Hillsdale College
33 E College Street
Hillsdale, MI 49242
If sending a donation by mail, please send to the above address and Thomas White's name and state the designation of the gift if you wish. Hillsdale College will contact the family to let them know a donation has been made.
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