Roger Henry White

Roger was born on October 1, 1943, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, to Margaret Kopf White and Morgan White. The youngest of three children, he grew up with his sisters, Carolyn and Sheryl. He graduated from North High School in Denver before attending the University of Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and minored in Political Science.

While at the University of Colorado, Roger met the love of his life, Jill Schoenfeld, on a blind date. The two were married on November 21, 1964, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted 62 years.

In 1966, Roger and Jill moved to San Francisco and later settled in Novato in 1975, where they raised their two daughters, Amy and Melanie.

Roger dedicated 33 years to teaching in the San Francisco Unified School District. Later, he worked in the SFUSD district science office and at The Exploratorium, where his natural curiosity and love for the scientific world flourished. Roger earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from San Francisco State University and became widely respected as a skilled and compassionate educator.

He was a life member of the California Teachers Association and the National Education Association, local chapter, and advocated for teacher rights throughout his career. Roger was also a strong advocate for environmental education and taught others about climate change. He founded Velo Club Miwok in Novato, where he shared his passion for bicycling with fellow club members, and he served as an officer of the Northern California Bicycling Association.

Music was another joy in Roger’s life. He played the harmonica, loved to sing, and spent many years participating in choirs and musical programs at Christ Methodist Church in Santa Rosa, where his spirit and generosity enriched the congregation.

After retiring at age 55 in 1998, Roger and Jill moved to Santa Rosa in 1999 and later settled in Oakmont in 2003. Roger remained active in the community through Chimera, the Native Plant Society, the Democratic Club, and the CTA Retirees.

Roger will be remembered for his brilliant mind, gentle humor, unwavering curiosity, deep compassion, and lifelong passion for helping others learn. One of Roger’s favorite quotes was: “Don’t judge another man until you’ve walked a mile in his moccasins.” His legacy lives on in his family, his former students, and the many communities he touched.

He is survived by his wife, Jill; his daughters, Amy Thorstad and Melanie White; and his grandchildren, Joy, Grace, and Caleb Thorstad.

Roger’s life was defined by kindness, creativity, and a profound dedication to education and discovery. He will be dearly missed.