Michael 'Mike' White, 86

June 29, 1938 – April 9, 2025

Mike White — also known as "Mitch" or the “Not So Famous Mike White” — passed away peacefully at his home in Claremont, Calif., on April 9, 2025, just shy of his 87th birthday. He was surrounded by his daughters. Born in Bakersfield and raised in Claremont, Calif., Mike lived a life full of passion, grit and endless adventure.

Mike’s journey began at a young age of 14, when he went to work at Ellsworth’s ranch, where he was mentored by Meshach “Mesh” Tenney in the art of breaking and training horses. Young Mike showed an uncanny talent for working with wild horses and his natural ability quickly set him apart. He, in turn, deeply admired and respected Mesh for his guidance and influence, which led him into racing. On his 16th birthday, Mike rode and won his first two horse races at Caliente Racetrack in Mexico, marking the exciting start of his riding career. With the winnings from those first victories, he bought his very first car — a proud moment that ignited not just his love for racing and his lifelong passion for cars. In 1957, he began racing at Santa Anita Park, a place that would later become a cherished family tradition for outings and road trips with his kids and grandkids. That early thrill of speed and horsepower, both on hooves and wheels, sparked a lifetime of adventure. In his early 20s, Mike began transporting thoroughbreds across the country for the Ellsworth ranch — often in some of the earliest horse cargo planes — traveling from California to New York and everywhere in between. Amidst all the miles and memories, he met his wife, Karen, his lifelong partner and greatest love. Their 54-year marriage was a testament to hard work, resilience and unconditional love for one another.

Together, Mike and Karen built a life rooted in hard work and family. Their journey took them to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1979, where they spent over four decades raising a family. He shifted gears from horse racing to stock car racing, reliving his childhood love of soap box derbies. He became a beloved figure in the local racing and trucking community, where he worked for Central Pre-Mix for nearly 30 years. Known for his fearless spirit, Mike was instrumental in the construction of the Veterans Memorial Centennial Bridge — and fittingly, was the first truck driver to cross it upon its completion in 1991.

Mike was a builder, a dreamer, a cowboy at heart and a man who always had something in motion. Whether he was filming home movies with a video camera, dancing in the garage with his grandchildren, turning cars into hot rods or tinkering with engines, he brought an infectious energy and creativity to everything he touched. He taught his daughters and grandkids all to drive before they could reach the pedals and never stopped rolling — even in his final months, you could find him riding scooters around his old Claremont neighborhood.

A lover of history, Westerns, music and anything with wheels, Mike lived life in high gear. He was funny, resourceful, always up to date on current events and, most of all, dedicated to providing for his family and never afraid to push the limits. Above all, he loved his family deeply and found ways to keep them safe, supported and always entertained.

Mike is survived by his sister, his four daughters, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen White, and his other sister, Patricia Whitehead.

A special thanks to his caregivers, Families Choice Homecare and to Cal Care Hospice for their care and compassion during his journey.

A private family ceremony will be held in late June to honor his legendary life. Keep on truckin', Dad!