Bill White dies at 76

Barbara Diamond

Beloved Laguna Beach doctor Dr. William, “Bill” White died Jan. 30.

He was 76.

Dr. White opened Laguna Beach OB/GYN at Three Arch Bay and Coast

Highway in 1961. The facility is still open, now under the auspices

of his son, Dr. William “Woody” White.

“My father was the first certified obstetrician and gynecologist

between Hoag and San Clemente hospitals,” his son said. “He was very

different in his approach to caring for women. He genuinely

appreciated being a doctor for women. He used to say, ‘If women were

the leaders of our world, we wouldn’t have wars.’”

A memorial gathering will be held at 11 a.m., Feb. 12 at a

location to be determined. The gathering is being arranged by

Thurston Middle School Counselor Kay Ostensen, whose three children

were delivered by Dr. White. Those wishing to attend the memorial can

call Laguna Beach OB/GYN at 499-2258 to confirm the location.

Bill White delivered thousands of Laguna Beach babies, including

one of his own grandchildren, and assisted in the birth of two

others. He served as chief of OB/GYN at South Coast Medical Center.

“I see his patients now and they tell me he was a guy who shared

their joys and sorrows,” son Woody said. “And he wasn’t afraid to be

seen shedding a tear.

“He was a gentle person, who related so well with his patients and

when it came to delivery or surgery, he was an excellent doctor. You

don’t always find that combination.

“I can remember the police showing up in the middle of the night

at our house or at Riddle Field during a Little League game to let

him know he was needed at the hospital.

“There were no cell phones or beepers in those days.”

Bill White was born Aug. 17, 1828 in Hollywood.

He went to medical school at Stanford University and did his

residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Bill married pediatrics nurse, Joan Walker, while at Stanford. She

died in 1978, the same year their 15-year-old son, Mike, died.

He married Sandra Branson in 1985, “the love of his life and a

gifted artist,” and enjoyed a wonderful professional partnership with

Dr. Edwin Stoney, that should be recognized, according to Woody.

Bill stopped delivering babies 10 years ago, and retired from his

practice three years ago, when he was diagnosed with lymphoma.

“His life revolved around his family, particularly after he was

diagnosed,” Woody said.

Bill is survived by Sandra; sons, Tim, Woody, Chris and Dana;

daughters Kim, Jennifer, Tara and Erin; his brother, Bob; and 11

grandchildren.

“The family appreciates the heartwarming response to the news of

passing,” Woody said. “He will be remembered as a wonderful, special

man who will be deeply missed.

Donations in Dr. White’s memory can be made to the White

Scholarship, Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Fund, Attn.

Jeannie, 625 Park Ave., Laguna Beach, 92651.