Richard "Rick" White, age 60, passed away suddenly on January 18,2020. Rick was born March 16, 1959 in Tucson, AZ. He was the youngest of four children of the late John White and Martha Valenzuela White.

Rick grew up in New Jersey and after graduating from Morris hills High School, Rick moved back to Tucson with his mom Martha, who he took care of until her passing in 1981. Rick met his first wife Mary (McLenna) in Tucson while driving his 1979 red convertible Mercury Cougar to a church event. They were married September 27, 1980 and had two children: Cassandra and Logan who they raised together. After their divorce in 2006, Rick eventually met and married his second wife, Kelley Agard August 23, 2010.

Rick spent much of his career working as a mechanic, specializing in Diesel engines and heavy equipment. His last job in that field he especially loved, working for Sunwestern Contracting, where he was able to bring his beloved dog Lucky with him to work every day. After an unfortunate car accident, Rick was unable to return to that line of work, and spent some time on disability. Not letting that stop him, Rick enrolled back in school, attending Southwestern Iowa Community College and by 2009, at the ripe young age of 50, Rick became an RN. It was there he found a true passion for his career unlike he had ever known. He specialized in pediatric home health and took care of some of the most amazing children. He truly made a difference in their lives and I know each one touched his heart. His incredible actions as an RN did not go unnoticed, and through Children's Hospital, Rick was the recipient of the prodigious Daisy award for nurses, and was also nominated for Nurse of the Year. He worked as a nurse as long as he could, sometimes even after starting dialysis, he'd still find a way to make time. Nursing was a passion Rick shared, both with his mother Martha, his Daughter Cassi, and many other proud family members. When Rick could no longer work as a nurse, he took on another important role – full time Grandpa.

Rick was not without health problems. He had the same familial kidney disease that his mother Martha and beloved sister Lauren both had, and a disease that struck many other members of his family as well. He never let his illness consume him, but something happened that was such a wonderful part of his life that, it deserves to be mentioned. Rick was going on to the transplant list. His then fiancé Kelley Agard said, "I'd like to get tested."  It was never something Rick would have asked of or wanted from her. But she persisted. And as the Donor Network said, they were "a perfect match." In many more ways than one, they were meant for each other. On August 25,2010 they were scheduled for surgery. Not wanting to enter in to a significant surgery without making it official they were married on August 23, 2010, just two days before the surgery. It really put a new twist on spending a honeymoon in bed. But it was a hugely successful surgery and gave Rick 8 glorious years free of dialysis. Kelley's gift of organ donation is something his whole family is eternally grateful for.

Rick is predeceased by his mother Martha, father John, beloved sister Lauren and wonderful sister in law Noreen. There are also some four legged family members that will be meeting him and he was such an animal lover that I know he will be overjoyed to see Hubie, Honey, Holly, Lucky, Cricket, Pooka, Murphy, and Noland again.

Rick is survived by his Wife Kelley, Mother in law Barbara, sister in law Stacy, brother Kevin, brother in law Chuck, many wonderful cousins, aunt, uncle, nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his two children Cassi and Logan, and four grandchildren Chloe, Gage, Luke and Leia.

Richard's Memorial Services will be held February 1 ^st , 2020 at 10 am at

Green Valley Mortuary and Cemetery, 18751 S. La Canada Drive, Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Richard has been cremated according to his wishes.

All are welcome to come be together and remember Richard's life.