|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
WHITE, Doyle - 83, of Halifax, passed away peacefully at home the morning of October 1st, and spent his last days surrounded by family and friends. He was born on November 25, 1942 in Lockeport (Shelburne Co.), into what would eventually become a large family of 14 siblings. He proudly served his country in the Canadian Navy and was honoured with the British Empire Medal for acts of courage and bravery. He was predeceased by his wife, Wanda, earlier this year. Doyle is survived by his children: Gail, Susan, Tony (Jamie); Grandchildren: Doyle, Eden, Zachary, Aaron, Ryan, Emily, Ella and Kara; and seven great grandchildren A graveside service including a joint interment with his wife, Wanda, will be held at the Atlantic Funeral Home - Oakridge Memorial Gardens (1110 Old Sackville Road) on Tuesday October 6, 2026 at 2pm. A reception will follow. Please come join the family to say goodbye and to share in memories from both family and friends.
British Empire Medal Citation for LS Doyle White:
"At approximately 2030 hours on 18th October 1965, while at sea, two explosions occurred in 12 Mess on HMCS NIPIGON. The force of these explosions blew the locked cover off a tank containing JP 5 helicopter fuel causing a flash fire in the Mess. The compartment directly above the Mess contained ammunition. At the time of the explosions there were eleven men in 12 Mess, one of which was Leading Seaman White. Although burned about the face and hands when 'escaping from the Mess, Leading Seaman White rushed to the Quartermaster's lobby to inform the lifebuoy sentry of the explosions in order that Command could be informed. He then returned to the area of the Mess to assist where needed but when advised that one man who appeared to be unconscious had not escaped from the Mess, immediately 'donned a set of breathing equipment and re-entered the Mess. The Mess at this time was filled with fumes from the JP 5 fuel and heavy black smoke. Freeing the unconscious man Leading Seaman White, with the assistance of Able Seaman Gray who had just entered, carried the man to the foot of the hatch and then searched all bunks to ensure no one else was trapped. Then - with the assistance of the Able Seaman and other crew members, brought the man up to the mortar well on the deck above. Leading Seaman White then assisted the damage control parties in flooding the JP 5 fuel tank with sea water and the removal of smouldering material. Although burned by the initial flash fire, Leading Seaman White alerted Command, re-entered the fume and smoke filled Mess to rescue a comrade, and did excellent work in a dangerous area which contained an open JP 5 fuel tank adjacent to stored ammunition before obtaining medical attention for himself. This fine display of courage in the face of serious injury or possible death, is a credit not only to Leading Seaman White, but also his ship and the Canadian Forces."
Ships served in:
|
