BAILEYVILLE – Ernest J. White, 95, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2011, at Atlantic Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Calais. Ernest was born Oct. 23, 1915, in Boutouche, New Brunswick, the eldest son of Joseph and Alice (Martin) White.
The family moved to Maine in 1922. In 1935 Ernest married Helen Pauline Hall in Calais. During high school Ernie worked for Albert Potter, where he gained valuable business and mechanical experience. He worked for St. Croix Paper Co. until 1942, when he left to work in the shipyards in Portland during the war. After the war he returned to the mill in Baileyville as a mason and later as the head mason. In 1945 Ernest became interested in the union movement and was elected president of Local No. 27, Woodland Central Labor Union and delegate to the AFL Maine Labor Council. Later he was elected to the executive committee of the council and was on the merger committee with the AFL-CIO Council. During his 18 years of service on the state federation, Ernest was active in many local incentives. He became chairman of the first planning board in Baileyville, used his influence to have fluoride put in the town water and helped organize the office workers at St. Croix Paper and Eastern Pulp workers. He was active in promoting the 50th anniversary of Woodland and wrote a book commemorating the anniversary. Ernest served as director of Calais Regional Hospital, 1964-1965. In 1965 he joined the staff of International Brotherhood of Pulp Sulphite and Paper Mill Workers as international representative.
In addition to his parents, Ernest was predeceased by his loving wife, Helen (Hall) White; three brothers and one sister. Surviving are his three children, Joan Greenlaw of Bangor, Patricia Hanson and her husband, Alvin, of Baileyville and Ernest “Bill” White and his wife, Nita, of Baileyville; a sister, Doris Lord of Groveland, Mass.; a brother, Andre White and his wife, Judy, of Portland; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, one great-great-great-grandchild, many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at a later date at Woodland Cemetery, Baileyville, with Father James Plourde officiating. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at
www.maysfuneralhome.com.