Royal "Blair" White

It is with heavy hearts and much love that we mourn the passing of Royal "Blair" White of Charlottetown aged 81 years.  With family holding his hands and one of his favorite country songs playing, Blair passed away at 2:00am on Thursday March 14, 2024.  

He was the beloved husband of Joyce (nee MacDonald). Dear father to their daughters Shelley (David) Morrison, Tanya (Sean) Gilchrest, Tracie (Dale) Hardy. Cherished Grandfather of Joshua (Jessica) Morrison, William Morrison (Bailey), Caleb Morrison (Eve), Zack Morrison (Eva), Isabella White, Robyn Hardy (Costner and stepson Jaxon), Jaymes Hardy (Jaida), Logan Hardy, Brett Hardy. Treasured great-grandfather to Lincoln and Maverick Morrison. Loving brother of Shirley Mosher. 

Predeceased by his parents Royal and Edna (Porter) White. His brother Everett White along with numerous other cousins and friends that were also gone way too soon. 

Blair was born in Murray River PEI on November 14, 1942. He grew up just feet away from his first schoolhouse. He may have found himself into mischief a few times while leaving the school yard to go ice jumping on the river. This would also begin his love of enjoying the outdoors with snowmobiles, motorcycles, old cars and later boats. 

Blair had a mischievous side as he often would jump the train in Murray River to ride to Murray Harbour. His escapades would have a lasting reminder as he permanently damaged his toe jumping train cars while being chased by the conductor. He would often test boundaries as a young country boy. Especially when he squeezed nine friends into his Volkswagen and drove from Murray River to Charlottetown just to go to the Dairy Queen. 

Blair always loved dogs. His first dog as a young boy was Nipper and would greet him at the end of the driveway when he would come home from school. He had a few dogs throughout his life, but he often spoke of Nipper. He also had a special bond with Nisku for the last decade, his grandson Josh’s dog.  They held a special bond as Blair would proudly get her to do tricks for him.  

Blair was a good student. After high school he attended St. Dunstan's where he studied business. He then began a career with the bank in Montague. His banking career would then take him to Campbellton NB where he met his wife Joyce at a dance. The day following the dance he would see her walking down the street. He drove his purple car slowly along beside her asking her on a date. She finally agreed – and the rest is history. They soon married and moved with the bank to Berwick NS where their first daughter Shelley was born. A couple years later, they would find themselves transferred to Harbour Breton NFLD and then back to Yarmouth NS where their second daughter Tanya was born. When they were expecting another child, they moved back to Murray River PEI to settle into a new career with the Government of PEI – Department of Finance. They purchased a home in Sherwood and shortly thereafter their third daughter Tracie was born.  

Blair spent his years enjoying his family life with many summer camping memories around the island with friends and family. He was a member of the PEI motorcycle touring club where he and Joyce had many great memories of the motorcycle rallies and even travelling on his motorcycle as far as Tennessee. Blair was a dedicated volunteer fire fighter at the Sherwood Fire Station for many years. He often left his home and family at all hours when the "fire phone" would ring. Blair also ensured he helped his community by being a regular blood donor. 

Blairs father was a sea captain merchant marine, so Blairs love of salt water has always been in his blood. He obtained his scuba license and spent his entire life enjoying the water whether in it or on it. Blair enjoyed making early memories on the "Sprite" (a family converted fishing boat) with his sister Shirley and late brother-in-law David Mosher. Later, Blair and "Mosher" (a loving family nickname) then owned a sailboat "Deuces Wild". They raced their first sailing race from Charlottetown Yacht Club to Pictou NS and they won the race!  

Blair would find his middle years interrupted with the devastating news of Joyce’s cancer diagnosis. He stayed by her side every step of the way. Within a few years Joyce’s cancer miraculously was in remission, so Blair took an early retirement from Government of PEI Department of Finance so that he and Joyce could enjoy the snowbird life in Florida with family and friends. After many years however, Joyces health issues returned, and their snowbird days came to an end.  

Finding themselves back in PEI year-round, Blair enjoyed his time spent at their summer trailer at "Green Acres" while also enjoying his floating life on his pontoon boat at the dock. Country music and homemade beer made for many memories with family and friends. With his extended family growing and the addition of many grandchildren he would find that a cabin cruiser boat would be more suitable to enjoy. Blair would soon face his own health issues when he was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. His family ensured that Blair was still able to spend his remaining years on the water, bringing him solace and calmness.  

With Blairs progression and Alzheimer's diagnosis, his family made certain his last few years were filled with as many memories and experiences as they could fit in. He enjoyed numerous boat trips around the island and across the Straight to NB and NS. He enjoyed travelling to visit with friends and family. Blair enjoyed many walks on the beach and time spent with family whether it was on water or on land. Blair enjoyed his grandchildren immensely and in the last few years he was especially delighted when his great grandchildren Lincoln and Maverick were with him. His last few months he would still have the biggest smile when he would see them in person or even showing him videos of them.  

Sadly, in the fall of 2022 Blairs Alzheimer's progressed and his family had to make the devastating decision to have him live his final time at the Atlantic Baptist nursing home to ensure he received the care he deserved. He seemed content and he settled in nicely, which was comforting for his family to know that he was where he should be. Even though his illness would affect his ability to speak he would always have a big smile every time we would arrive to visit.  He loved the daily treats we would bring him. As everyone who knew him knows, Blair had a sweet tooth. His smile was infectious when he would stare at the bag in anticipation of what was inside.  

Blairs final wishes will be fulfilled at a later date as we celebrate his life with a graveside service and the scattering of his ashes at a marked location he chose. If so desired, in honor of Blair, donations may be made to the PEI Alzheimers Association in hopes that someday a cure will be found. 

The family wish to express a special thank you to the staff at Atlantic Baptist who became a second family to Blair. Their care and love for Blair will never be forgotten. 

Blair is leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. His love and influence will forever be felt in our lives. As we remember our husband, our dad, our brother and friend we will always remember his great sense of humor and his love of a good joke. He always had a story to tell no matter what the topic of conversation was. He would always begin his story with "that reminds me". We are sure as we face the future without him that we will have many "that reminds me" moments and memories of Blair.