Henry Thurston White Jr., 71, of Ellsworth, died at the home he built and loved on May 10, 1999, after a brief illness. Henry was born in Providence, R.I., on Feb. 19, 1928, the son of Henry T. White Sr. and Marjorie McCready White, whose ancestors date back to the landing of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock.

Henry was a graduate of Tufts University with a degree in economics. He served several years as a squadron pilot for the United States Navy, achieving the rank of lieutenant commander. Following his military tour of duty, he began a career in civil service, which included more than 20 years with the U.S. Department of Labor. He retired in 1982 as the deputy director of the Office of Workers’ Compensation in Washington, D.C. Henry launched a third career in 1983 as an organic farmer, raising livestock and produce on his Ellsworth farm for the local farmers market.

He is survived by his spouse, Lorna, and their loving daughters, Tabatha Sue White and Maxine Marie White, all of Ellsworth. He is also survived by five children from a previous marriage, S. Anne White of Ellsworth; Dianne Martinez of Chicago; Henry T. White III of Florida; Michael P. White of Chicago; and Mary Pat White of Florida. He was predeceased by a son, Larry T. White. Henry is also survived by his sister, Gracia A. Clemson and her husband, Harry, of Topsfield, Mass., and a brother-in-law, Fred Moone of Warwick, R.I. He was predeceased by a sister, Marjorie C. Moone. Henry has many nieces, nephews and several grandchildren.