Leland Drynan White

Birth date: Aug 14, 1919 Death date: Jul 4, 2017

Leland Drynan White was born on August 14, 1919 in Palo Alto, California , the home of Stanford University. He was named Leland after the founder of the university. His middle name, Drynan was his mothers maiden name. Lee’s mother Read Obituary

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Tony Welch

424w ago

For an insight into Chief Petty Officer Leland White's combat days aboard the USS Muskallunge, google up "Muskallunge – Kilroy Was Here." It was my privilege to do an oral history/first-person account on Lee's WW2 adventures. As a machinist mate, Lee kept the submarine's diesel engines running and in good repair — and did the same with himself post-war — living just short of 98 years. Long enough, thank heavens, for me to make his acquaintance and treasure his friendship. Tony WelchOregon City, Oregon

Katherine

427w ago

Dedicated, true, a proud Member of United States Defense Forces contributor to the 52 Boats Memorial in San Diego.Loved always, White family

Katherine

427w ago

Sent a gift in memory of Leland Drynan White

Ariki Katherine La'a Kea

427w ago

Matua Keke Lee,Ariki of our family,beautiful soul lifted with Angels,and a new journey with many adventures in other realms,joined with his wife Helen and his brothers and sister and parents before him.Lee is the longest lving of our family I know of and was a gracious and proud server of our country, loyal Navy officer and mate always.Lee, loved life, family, friends, his 'boats', his cars and the license plates, the Naval memorial he helped to build.Lee, sharp and witty always and a good friend.I am saddened to feel this loss, but he is with me always and I know he is in a good place I know I will see him again when I get there.Ka kite ano my Matua Keke, aroha nui,we shall meet againAriki Kat xx

Susan White-Lowe

427w ago

Rest in peace Uncle LeeSusan White-Lowe daughter of Harvey White – Lee's brother.

John Rezek

427w ago

Rest In Peace Uncle (once removed) Leland, job well done; BZ. And thank-you for protecting my country, my friends, my family & myself. You are an American Patriot, a Warrior, and a Protector of Freedom!

Helena

428w ago

In September, 2009 I booked a week long trip to a family history research center in Utah for my mother (Ruth). It was there, with the help of a genealogy expert that she finally discovered what happened to Albert White (Leland's father) in the early 1900's when he left New Zealand and never came back. Albert was about 13 months older than his sister Edith (my great grandma) and the two of them were close. Mum said Grandma Edith had often wondered what happened to her brother. Turns out Albert met a lovely American lady named Ms. Drynan. Married her and had several children, including Leland. In 2009, Leland (Lee) was the only surviving child of Albert's. My mother was thrilled that Lee wanted to meet as soon as possible. Within a couple of weeks, the two connected twice. Once in Chula Vista where Lee resided and once again when Lee drove his old Lincoln out to Phoenix (the area that I resided) to see my mother again. Lee was so happy to finally discover his fathers roots and meet so many of his relatives on his fathers side. Eventually, Lee visited Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii to meet many relatives. In New Zealand, he was delighted to visit the same places that many of his ancestors once lived including his Maori roots in Whakatane (Ngati Awa iwi). Lee was a real joy getting to know. He led such a fascinating life filled with adventure and service to his country. Lee was intelligent, kind, generous, and one of America's finest patriots. He will be missed but never forgotten. Until we meet again, ka kite ano. Arohanui, Helena

Libby Vick

429w ago

We were lucky enough to get to know Lee in his later years after the excellent genealogy research on the part of our cousin, Ruth Howard. We were thrilled to get to know our cousin Lee, and I know he was also thrilled to discover that he had a big family with cousins around the globe. Lee was smart, thoughtful, and charming. He added so much to our lives, and we will miss him greatly.The Vick family – Libby, Steve, Lauren & Courtney

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