Robert (Bob) Hardy White

Robert Hardy White was born June 21, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York, to Herbert White and Missouri McDuffy Gascal White. “Buster,” as he was affectionately nicknamed, was the second born of five siblings. “Buster” had 3 brothers, Herbert (uncle Herbie), Albert (uncle Bertie), Kenneth (uncle Kenny), and 1 sister, aunt Trinette. “Buster” grew up loving sports, especially basketball. He became quite good at it and briefly played semi-pro basketball. He enlisted in the Army October 9, 1942, and after serving during World War II, he was honorably discharged. He often talked about his deployment in Australia where during a military forced march he rode a horse across the Australian countryside to an encampment. Upon his discharge he worked a variety of jobs and lived with his family in a brownstone in Brooklyn New York. He became a devoted member of the Christian Science Church and dedicated a significant amount of time immersed in the teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science Faith. He married Algia Twilla Summerlin January 5, 1952 and they raised 3 sons, Darvin, Bruce ( Shakor) and Lawrence. He worked for the City of New York as a sanitation worker for 20 years. As laborious and taxing as year-round outdoor work was, he relished interacting with the people on his route. “Buster” was definitely a people’s person. When his 3 sons reached adulthood he retired and the next phase of his life began. “Buster” loved to sing and he was a natural performer. He was not shy about singing in front of absolute strangers. He wanted to develop his voice, so he took singing lessons and practiced by singing 25 songs daily. His goal was to perform on stage, specifically in off-Broadway musicals. He auditioned for multiple musical plays and performed in several off-Broadway musical productions which he was very proud of. He was also intrigued by the consciousness of the mind and how it affected thought and behavior. He began writing down his thoughts in an almost poetically philosophical way and his compilation of writings resulted in the design of several manuscripts that were inspirational. He credits God with inspiring him. Eight years ago he decided rather abruptly to relocate from Manhattan, New York, to California. He lived happily in a senior assisted living community and delighted the other residents and staff with his spirit and zest for life. “Buster” transitioned to Heaven on April 24, 2016, at 1:00 PM. His sons Darvin and Lawrence were with him. He leaves behind the 3 aforementioned sons, his sister Trinette Robinson of Florida, brother Kenneth White of Brooklyn New York, 7 grand-children, Brad White, Kristen White, Melissa White, Anthony White, Julian Tyler White, Megan Rogers, Peyton White, and 12 great grand- children.