Edwin Alfred White (86) longtime Worley, ID resident passed away at his home on September 8, 2026. He was born to Claude and Gail White on September 7, 1940 in Owosso, Michigan. He was a man who believed life was meant to be lived, and he certainly lived his. He was a builder, businessman, hunter, fisherman, pilot, auctioneer, welder, gunsmith, Harley rider, world traveler, and entrepreneur. Yet for all the things Ed accomplished, and all the places life took him, those who knew him best will remember something much simpler: he was an incredibly kind and humble man who could sit down with just about anyone and visit for hours.

Ed grew up in Michigan and graduated from Owosso High School in 1957. A talented athlete, he went on to attend several colleges on full athletic scholarships. Ed had the athletic ability to succeed at each of them; however, it seems his enthusiasm for the college social scene occasionally surpassed his enthusiasm for the academic curriculum. Apparently, the colleges were not quite as impressed with Ed's extracurricular activities as Ed was. Although college life may not have gone exactly according to plan, Ed would spend the rest of his life proving that there wasn't much he couldn't learn, master, build, fix, or figure out on his own.

Early in his working years, Ed spent a short time at General Motors, where he served as a shop steward. But Ed was never destined to spend his life doing just one thing. He was a contractor, welder, steel walker, craftsman, builder, and businessman. His work included everything from homes and commercial properties to government buildings, churches, bridges, and countless other projects.

Then, in 1972, a hunting accident changed Ed's life in a way no one could have predicted. Ed was shot in the leg and required medical care. One of the nurses who cared for him was a woman named Elizabeth.

Getting shot certainly wasn't the preferred way to meet the love of your life, but for Ed, it worked.

Ed and Elizabeth married on New Year's Day in 1976, beginning a marriage and partnership that would carry them through decades of adventures, businesses, moves, and more than a few of Ed's big ideas.

The couple moved to Texas, where Ed worked as a general contractor in the oilfields. He built subdivisions, custom oilfield shops, and took on a variety of other construction projects. But Texas wouldn't be their permanent home.

In late 1979, Ed and his family headed north and settled near Worley, Idaho. Their introduction to North Idaho living was anything but conventional. The family lived in a tent for two years while they built their lodge-style cabin. For most people, two years of tent living might have been enough adventure for a lifetime. For Ed, it was simply part of building the life he wanted.

In 1981, Ed began Crazy Bird Bottles, selling his creations at craft shows. He also entered the food and concession business, eventually becoming a Certified Concessions Executive, the highest professional designation available in the industry.

That was the thing about Ed: one venture was rarely enough.

Over the years, he owned and operated several successful businesses and became a highly respected entrepreneur. Ed and Elizabeth also owned and operated the Buffalo Nickel RV Park Bar & Grill in Smelterville. Whatever the business or project, Ed was never afraid of hard work, and he certainly never seemed interested in retirement.

In 1983, Ed attended the Western College of Auctioneering, where he graduated with honors and became a licensed auctioneer. Considering his earlier college career, graduating with honors may have been proof that Ed eventually figured out the academic side of things after all.

He was also a gun dealer and gunsmith and held a Federal Firearms License for many years. During his years in Texas, Ed also sold real estate.

Ed's love for the outdoors became another extraordinary part of his life. An accomplished hunter, he held nine world records for hunting with air rifles and muzzleloaders. His hunting adventures took him through all 50 states, as well as Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Mexico, and throughout the southern half of Africa.

And Ed didn't limit his travels to places where he could hunt. Over the years, he traveled throughout Asia, the Philippines, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Germany, Europe, and many other destinations. He saw more of the world than most people ever have the opportunity to see.

He loved fishing, and he loved riding his Harley, a passion he continued until he was 79 years old. Ed was also a licensed pilot, because apparently traveling by land and water wasn't quite enough for him.

Ed was deeply involved in several fraternal organizations throughout his life. He was a life member of the Jett Lodge in Wenatchee and the St. Maries Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the Elks and Eagles in St. Maries and the Shrine Club out of Lewiston. Ed was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite through Wenatchee and Coeur d'Alene.

On paper, Ed's life is impressive. The businesses, buildings, licenses, certifications, world records, organizations, travels, adventures, and accomplishments could easily fill pages, but that isn't what made Ed special.

For a man who had done so much, he never needed to make sure you knew it. He was humble, genuine, and remarkably kind. He could sit down with someone and visit for hours, sharing stories from an extraordinary life while making the person sitting across from him feel every bit as important.

Ed had an easy way with people. He was knowledgeable without being boastful, accomplished without needing recognition, and successful without ever forgetting how to simply be kind.

He never truly retired. There was always something to do, somewhere to go, someone to visit, something to build, another adventure to take or quite possibly another business idea he thought was worth trying.

Ed packed more living into one lifetime than most people could fit into several.

Yet his greatest legacy isn't found in the buildings he constructed, the businesses he owned, the records he held, or the miles he traveled. It is found in his family, his friendships, the countless people he met along the way, and the kindness and humility with which he lived such an extraordinary life.

Ed is survived by his children, Jeff White, Tim White, Steve Foster, Nick White, Samantha Brocklesby, and Sharon Bateman; his brother, Neil White; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his parents; his stepdaughter; and his brother, David White.

A private service will be held at a later date.