Travis White | Obituary

We are sad to announce the unexpected passing of Travis on 3/5/23.

Travis Jr. (TJ) was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1965, as the first child of Dr. Travis and Janice White. During Dr. White’s orthopedic residency, he was drafted to Fairchild Airforce base in 1966 where he completed his residency. TJ soon gained status of “brother” when his sister Traci was born in 1967, followed by their brother Todd in 1969. That was the start of TJ being an amazing, protective, warm, and loving big brother.

Family time was incredibly important to the Whites. Travis spent winters with his family at Schweitzer as well as summers spent at both Priest and Hayden lakes. He grew up snow skiing, water skiing, golfing, enjoying pool and lake time, taking ski trips with family and friends, travelling, and terrorizing the neighborhood.

Travis attended Mead schools where he was a standout soccer player and excellent student. He was the first soccer player east of the cascades to make the all-state team.

After graduating from Mead High School in 1984, TJ played soccer collegiately, graduating from Whitworth University with Bachelor of Arts in Finance in 1989. TJ held a variety of executive positions in aviation finance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and transportation.

In the summer of 2000, TJ married Erin Rieley and they had two children: son Travis Edward III (Tripp) in 2002 and daughter Rieley Katrine in 2004, at which time they moved to Mercer Island. The strong family values that he learned as a child easily carried over to his own family with Erin. They also carried on the tradition of winters at Crystal Mountain and summers at Priest Lake with all of Travis’ extended family. “Unc” was a renowned storyteller and was a huge fan of each niece and nephew.

TJ loved the outdoors, and his athletic gifts were obvious in every sport he pursued. Amongst his avid skiing friends, he was considered the best skier we all knew. In 2001 Travis skied from the summit of Mt. Rainier. TJ was also an avid golfer, achieving the lofty status of “scratch” in the early 90’s. He was a student of the game of golf, possessing an uncanny ability to share his knowledge with friends and family.

TJ also had a lifetime love of reading and learning. He would discover a new interest and would read and research until he was an expert on the subject. He was a fabulous listener and problem solver who would drop anything to help family and friends.

Friends will remember Travis best for his love of coaching and his dedication to his children. Whether it be coaching or cheering from the sideline, regardless of it being baseball, soccer, ski racing or equestrian events, Travis was his children’s biggest fan. Travis was also a favorite of the Mercer Island families that had the good fortune of having Travis coach their kids, which led to many strong friendships that Travis truly cherished.

Travis is survived by his parents, his children, Erin, sister Traci (Brian), brother Todd (Crissy) and nephews Chase and Hayden and nieces Sydney, Kate and Halle. A celebration of his life will be held this summer. Time and location to follow.