Obituary of Ronald Ambrose White, New Waterford

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Ambrose White, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, godfather, brother, uncle and friend. He passed away peacefully on August 31, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 72.

Born in New Waterford, he was the son of the late Otto and Jessie (MacKinnon) White.

Ambrose had a long and enriching educational career. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School as president of the student council and salutatorian of his graduating class. He then went on to attend Xavier College to complete his Bachelor of Arts Degree followed by St. Francis Xavier University where he completed his education degree. Ambrose began his teaching career at Riverview High School, where he taught for 20 years, and met many of his lifelong friends. He later completed his Masters Degree in Education from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. He then moved on to become principal at New Victoria School, and Greenfield Elementary. He continued his educational journey as Coordinator of Student Services, Director of Operations, and Superintendent of the CBVRSB. Ambrose retired in 2013 after a remarkable 40 years of working as an educator. Despite retiring from the education system, Ambrose used his experience and knowledge in becoming local President of New Waterford Retired Teachers Association. Soon afterwards, he became Vice President of the Retired Teachers Organization of Nova Scotia, and most recently elected President.

A devoted athlete, Ambrose's love for sports was evident throughout his life. He grew up playing baseball, hockey, soccer, and basketball during his formative years, forming enduring friendships with teammates along the way. He loved playing tennis where he spent many hours down the New Waterford Tennis Club and later in his life, teeing off with his buddies at Lingan Golf Club. Ambrose would also spend countless hours coaching teams, where he made a significant impact on people’s lives which included High School Women’s Soccer, and Men’s Hockey during his time teaching at Riverview High School. Ambrose also coached High School Basketball at Breton Education Centre and numerous teams coaching his son, Gregory, over the years of his life.

Ambrose would also join various committees locally and provincially. To name a few, he was a member of the Board of Directors for the Coal Bowl Classic, the Board of Directors for Cape Breton University, New Waterford Sports Hall of Fame, chair of Sport Nova Scotia, serving mission staff for the Canada Games, President of the New Waterford Tennis Club and much more.

Throughout his life, Ambrose earned numerous accolades and awards for his work through education, community and sport, including being inducted into the St. FX Hall of Honour for his leadership in education and community, yet he remained ever modest and was always quick to recognize the achievements of others. Ambrose had a significant impact on his community. He was always a man of great faith and was a dedicated member of the Parish of Saint Leonard and a member of the parish council.

Despite having a full and busy life, what was most important to Ambrose was his family. His love for his family was the guiding light of his life. He was a devoted husband of 40 years, father and grandfather. Ambrose has such a close-knit relationship with his son, Gregory and daughter, Carol Ann where his love and commitment to them were evident in everything they did. He had such a special bond with his granddaughter, lighting up each time he saw her and was over the moon to hear of his future grandson. Ambrose and his wife, Marilyn shared a remarkable journey together, marked by unwavering love, mutual respect and profound companionship. Their marriage was a source of strength and joy, a partnership where both found solace and inspiration in each other. Through the highs and lows of life, their bond never wavered and their support for one another remained strong.

Ambrose's remarkable gift was his capacity to understand people, fostering connections that were both deep and meaningful. With his calming demeanor, he offered wise and thoughtful advice to anyone in need of guidance. His warmth and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Ambrose will be known for his positivity, warmth and genuine kindness. He approached each day with an infectious optimism and an extraordinary ability to see the best in everyone he met. His legacy will continue through the lives he touched and the love he gave.

Ambrose is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marilyn (MacNeil) and his children, Greg (Jenna) and Carol Ann (Warren) and his cherished grandchild, Jane. Mourning the loss of their brother are his three sisters, Mary (Ed) O’Quinn, Agnes (Phonse) Martell, Ann White and two brothers, Joey (Alice) and Greg (Donna). Ambrose is also survived by his wonderful sisters-in-law, Bernadette MacNeil, Bev (Dan) MacDonald, Marguerite (Alex) MacSween and brothers-in-law, Gerard (Cathy), Greg (Johanna), and David (Ruth). He will be truly missed by all his nieces and nephews whom he loves dearly. Ambrose also had many wonderful friends that he still maintained great relationships with over his incredible life.

Ambrose was predeceased by his parents; his mother and father-in-law, Mary and Bernie MacNeil; his sister-in-law, Tessy White.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Halifax Infirmary (8.3), Victoria General (5A), New Waterford Hospital and Cape Breton Regional (4B) and  (ICU) for their skill, care and empathy shown to Ambrose and his family.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass celebrating Ambrose’s life will take place Friday, September 6 at 10 a.m. in The Parish Church of Saint Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating. Cremation will follow with burial in Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date.  A reception will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford immediately following the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to a charity of your choice. A livestream of the funeral can be accessed by visiting: ambrosewhitememorial.ca. 

Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.

                                                 “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”

                                                                                     ~David Ellsworth