BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

CANTON - There’s no doubt the late Frank J. White lived a full life.

The 106-year-old passed away Monday at his home on Rushton Drive under the care of dear friends and Hospice and Palliative Care.

“Frank White lived a vibrant life and was one of the most kind hearted individuals that gave back to Canton in so many ways. He went to school in Pyrites, worked on the family farm, enlisted in the Army and started a very successful Canton business. His generosity and service to others was evident throughout his lifetime,” said Canton Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley. “We sincerely appreciate all the contributions Frank made throughout the years to the Town/Village Historian’s office. The stories, boat collection, diaries, and army uniform are a few cherished treasures we have to preserve in his memory.”

“To live until 106 years old is remarkable. It is my hope that we all continue his legacy of kindness, caring and giving to others. He was a true role model for what humanity is all about,” Ashley added.

Canton Mayor Michael Dalton praised White’s legacy.

“He lived an amazing and full life and was definitely a fixture in our community. He loved spending time at the historian’s office and with a person with his knowledge he contributed substantially with what the historian does. He will truly be missed,” Dalton stated.

White was a special friend of Canton Historian Linda Casserly who said White stopped by her office at least twice a month, always climbing the stairs to the second floor office.

“I met Frank in 1995 when I was appointed historian. He asked me what did I know about Canton,” Casserly recalled. “Everybody knew him. He was an easy going man as was his wife. I’m going to miss his presence in Canton a lot.”

SUNY Canton will be flying the college flag at half-mast on Wednesday, Aug. 21, in honor of White, the college’s oldest known alumnus.

"SUNY Canton is deeply saddened by the passing of Frank White. Frank graduated from Canton Agricultural and Technical Institute in 1938 and lived a life marked by dedication, service, and a profound connection to his community. His remarkable journey, from his early days on the family farm to his successful career as a florist, and his active participation in local civic life, is a testament to the enduring spirit of our graduates. We hope Frank's legacy will inspire future generations of SUNY Canton students. They will certainly be reminded of his generosity each time they walk by the wooden ship he built on display in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center,” said Travis Smith, SUNY Canton Director of Public Relations.

White was born June 13, 1918 in Dickinson Center. He started school at the District School in Hermon before graduating from Pyrites School. He furthered his studies at Canton ATI. He worked on the family farm before enlisting in the U.S. Army on Sept. 26, 1942.

White took an interest in the floral business, working in New Hartford then at Farrand’s Flowers in Ogdensburg until opening his own flower shop, White’s Flowers in Miner Street in Canton in 1950. White owned and operated the business until 1984 when he sold White’s Flowers to Brenda and Mike Snow.

He was an active canoeist, competing in numerous Rushton Canoe Races. He was well known for his model boat building and duck decoys.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Lawrence Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Park Street, Canton, with Rev. Bryan Stitt officiating. Burial will follow in the Hermon Cemetery.

Calling hours will take place Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences, tributes, photos and memories may be shared by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org.