Over the weekend it was announced that Washington State Senator Scott White passed away.  His passing is a great loss to higher education and the State of Washington.

Senator White was a strong and passionate advocate for higher education and Washington’s public baccalaureate institutions. He excelled at communicating complex policy issues on a personal and pragmatic level that was understood by multiple audiences. He was a positive and optimistic leader for higher education. His door was always open to all and he treated anyone who entered with respect, kindness, and a great sense of humor.

This is echoed in the many comments made by his colleagues over the last couple of days.

State Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, said White was a young politician that many viewed as having immense potential — perhaps someone to be in Congress or Senate Majority Leader. He worked well with people across the political spectrum and had a fresh approach to politics that the public desired, Murray said.

“What stood out was that he was ambitious but he was positive,” Murray said. “He wasn’t ambitious and divisive. Scott wanted to figure out how to be progressive and how to move forward in a positive way.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire said White was never afraid to tackle difficult problems.

“I found him to be an absolute pleasure to work with, and a legislator who served his district and the entire state well,” Gregoire said. “He had a bright and promising future ahead of him.”

White served one-term in the Washington House and then was elected to the Senate in 2010.  He represented the 46th District which covers northern parts of Seattle. During his time in the House White served as a member of the House Higher Education Committee. In the Senate, White served as a member of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee,  as the Senate Majority Whip and Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Though Senator White was strongly committed  to his role as a Senator, White’s priority was his family. White is survived by his wife and two small children.

“Above all, Scott’s greatest legacy and source of pride was his family,” Sen. Derek Kilmer said. “He was deeply committed to his wife and two young children, and took great joy in the life they built together.” 

A public service for Senator White is expected this week.