05/23/1960 — 06/11/2014
Brian White Rememberance March 2017
Written by Maggie Eaugallie, Ananda Santa Rosa
Brian was a long-time disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda who came to Master and Ananda when he was in his twenties and was a member of the Sonoma County meditation group which formed in 1986.
Although his active involvement with Ananda lessened through the following years Brian never lost his love for God and Guru, and as his health challenges increased he again returned to his spiritual family at the Ananda Center in Santa Rosa. Despite the increasing pain and loss of function caused by the cancer that was spreading throughout his body he always came to Sunday Services and satsangs with a smile and an armload of gorgeous flowers from his garden for the altar. HIs participation in events tended to be quiet and inward. Center members remember Brian with the words “I never knew anyone with a sweeter presence” and “You could really feel the true goodness in his soul.”
As he became weaker, his gurubais went to his bedside to chant and meditate with him. Even when he could no longer speak it was evident that he was meditating deeply and found comfort in that contact with God. We are blessed to have known him.
From the Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, June 17, 2014
Brian Raymond White 54, of Santa Rosa, CA died peacefully in his home on June 11, 2014 after a courageous battle against prostate cancer and complications from it. Brian was born May 23, 1960 in Petaluma, California, to parents Raymond Joseph and Marie Jeanette White. He is survived by his mother Marie, brother Gregory Jay White and niece Kalei Lynn White. Most of Brian’s professional career was spent in the restaurant and landscape construction industries. When not working or socializing, his passion was landscape design, as highlighted by two beautiful gardens he created, one at his mother’s home, and the other at his home in Santa Rosa. He was also a passionate believer in health through proper nutrition. A ceremony of life was held for Brian at his home with family and close friends. Memorial donations to Brian’s spiritual epicenter, Ananda Sangha Worldwide would be greatly appreciated. Memorial donations to Ananda can be made at Ananda Remembers, using the Make a Memorial Donation button.
