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WHITE -- DONALD "TOBY" LEE Age 78, passed away last September 14, 2011 with long time partner Craig Rahn of 33 1/2 years at his side. He is also survived by his sister Kay White of Bad Axe, MI which was his home town; his brother Terry White of Sonoma, CA. Toby was a loving, generous and high-spirited soul. And, it was his family, friends and neighbors good fortune to have known him. The love, laughter and warmth Toby shared with us enriched our lives beyond measure. A graduate of Bad Axe High School in 1951 receiving a scholarship to Michigan State College the year before. Working his way through college busing tables in the cafeteria to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1955. Drafted into the Army in July 1956 to July 1958. Serving at Kirtland, NM. On leaving the Army, his company commander gave him a recommendation to ACF Industries in Alb., NM as an illustrator. ACF contracted to the government to do research and develop atomic weapons. He was to technically illustrate to the government what they were getting for their money. Later he moved on from there to Starline, a graphic advertising firm, as an illustrator and by 1970 was head Art Director there, doing training films as well. From there he moved to Detroit, MI to work for Frank Moran Assoc., first as an illustrator, then as head Art Director. Opening his own graphic design firm in 1985 as Toby White Assoc. at the age of 50. On retiring in 1995, he returned to his beloved NM where he so longed to be. He traveled extensively Egypt, Israel, Turkey, United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Costa Rica and drove through Portugal, an extended trip to France was canceled in 2006. His other interests were fine dining, entertaining, art and his love for animals, a strong supporter of the Animal Humane Society of New Mexico. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church. A musical part will be sung by Mr. LeRoy Lehr, recently retired from the New York Metropolitan Opera. He will be accompanied by Father Joseph Vanderholt. After the Mass a luncheon will be held at Craig Rahn's home.
        Published on: Thu June 14, 2012