Obituary of Stephen Maxwell White

It is with great sadness that the family of Stephen Maxwell "Max" White announces his passing at Dr. Everett Chalmer's Hospital on April 20, 2026. Born on November 20, 1938 in Fort Fairfield, Maine, he was the son of the late J. Leigh and Gwendolyn (Fields) White, and loving husband of Shirley (Foster) White.

Max started his education and career with two years in the Canadian Armed Forces, followed by teacher’s college and the completion of a Bachelor of Teaching, a Bachelor of Arts, and a Master of Education, all from the University of New Brunswick. He was a proud and dedicated educator, teaching at Hartland High School and later serving as School Principal beginning in 1964 at Lower Lincoln Elementary School, then Summerhill Street School, and Hubbard Avenue School in Oromocto.

He also served as a Member of the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly from 1991 to 1995. In 2022, he was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal honouring him for the extraordinary contribution he made to his community, the Province of New Brunswick and the country.

Endlessly curious, Max delighted in learning and creating, moving from one passion to the next including woodworking, barrel making, and painting. An educator at heart, he taught far beyond the classroom as a lifelong listener, mentor, and trusted source of advice.  He was a devoted advocate for his community, schools, province, and the causes he believed in.

Max found his greatest joy travelling with his wife or time outdoors with his kids, grandkids, family and friends working around his home and workshop in Lincoln, at his cottages, or winters in Florida.  He loved fishing, hunting, building, fixing things, and spending hours in conversation or enjoying lively games of cards, pool, golf, and particularly hockey in his younger days.

Above all, Max was a generous and community-minded man who was deeply proud of his beloved family; his wife, three children, five grandchildren, one great grandchild and the many relatives and friends he held close to his heart.

With a sparkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, Max embraced life fully, engaging with others through his activities, volunteer efforts, time shared with family and friends, and in the simple joy of being present.

Max will be missed by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; children, David (Annette) White, Corey (Tammy) White, and Karen (Mark) White Masry; grandchildren, Monica (Zacharie), Michael, Madison, Samara, and Kate; great grandchild, Brooklyn; siblings, Charles and John; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Leitha Glavin, Sonny White, Joyce Hahn, and Marion White.

A visitation will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home on Thursday, April 23, 2026. It will begin at 4:00 pm with a tribute by the Freemasons and will continue until 6:00pm. A funeral service will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Margaret's Anglican Church, Fredericton, NB with Rev. John Harvey as celebrant. Interment will be at the Lower Lincoln Cemetery. For those unable to attend the service, a livestream will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/event/5886422

In lieu of flowers, donations in Max's name to the Shriners or the IWK would be appreciated by the family.