RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Edson F. White, 83, of Moyer Road, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, Nov. 22, 2009, at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born June 4, 1926, in Wakefield, Mass., son of the late Donald E. and Ruth Hazeltine White. Edson was raised in Wakefield, and was a graduate of Wakefield High School with the class of "1944." He furthered his education, going to the University of New Hampshire where he received degrees in both Forestry and Engineering. Mr. White was a Professional Engineer with a Massachusetts license. He owned and operated UF Engineering in Massachusetts. An honorably discharged United States Air Force veteran he served during World War II. Mr. White was a licensed pilot and accomplished aviator had the distinction of flying the entire Alaskan Pipe Line when it opened and was also the recipient of the Safety Aviation Award from the FAA. On Aug. 12, 1978, he was united in marriage with the former Virginia Pierce in Morris. They made their home in Morris until 2008, when they moved to Richfield Springs. Mr. White had a strong belief in God and was a member of the First Baptist Church, Morris. He was a member of Laurens Lodge No. 548 Free and Accepted Masons and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Morris.Mr. White will always be remembered as an intelligent and adventurous man. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family especially his cherished grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. Surviving besides his devoted wife of 31 years, Virginia; are two sons, Mark White and his wife, Patricia of Granby, Mass., and Jonathan White of South Hampton, Mass.; a daughter, Diana White Middleton and her husband, Robert Alford of Sykesville, Md.; three sisters, Jean Byrnes of Maryville, Tenn., Carol Latoracca of Milwaukee, Wis., Ruth Maynard of Colchester, Conn.; five grandchildren, Sarah Anne Middleton, Kelsey Paige Middleton, both of Sykesville, Md., Rebecca, Andrea, and Erika White of Granby, Mass.; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents; he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert White. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Richfield Springs Bible Church with the Rev. Alan Miller, pastor officiating. Interment will follow in Hillington Cemetery, Morris. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James St., Richfield Springs from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday evening. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Edson F. White Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.