- Born on: April 7, 1954
- Departed on: June 19, 2017
- Resided in: Cedar Rapids, IA
Virgil White
We met Virgil after our grandchildren started taking swimming lessons at the Y. He commanded the attention of his students and they blossomed as they responded with their abilities. It was amazing to watch how they interacted and developed their skills with his gentle encouragement and fortitude. We were anxious to see him return after his surgeries and were saddened to learn of his unexpected passing. His void will be a tremendous loss to the Y as he was well respected. May you know the peace that only God can bring and the warmth of His love during this time of sorrow. You have our deepest sympathy-Tom and Mary Galik/Spencer, Ia Fear no, for I am with thee-Genesis 26:24
I did not know Virgil personally but I knew him from the Marion YMCA. He created one of the most memorable moments for me when , as I was swimming at the Y one day, a most haunting, beautiful sound filled the pool area. I stopped to find the source of such soothing music and found Virgil playing his wooden flute while to soaked in the hot tub. What a pleasure he created that day for all of us! Later when I inquired about his flute playing, someone told me he would no longer be allowed to do that because some one complained. How could anyone be such a small minded, aesthetically depleted person????? Virgil was a sensitive,, sweet man. I will never forget that day at the pool. I never did get a chance to thank him so I am thanking him now. Rest in peace.
My sympathy to Virgil!s family. I worked with him at HGN YMCA. He was a remarkable swimming instructor. May comfort and peace come to you at this very difficult time. He will be missed by many. May God bless you. Jim Vossq9ulu
I am very sad to hear this news. Virgil was a great joy to work with and see in the pools at the YMCA in the cedar rapids area. I will always remember and never forget him playing the recorder in the hot tub at the Marion YMCA. Thoughts and prayers in this rough time. Just remember he will always be with us.
My deepest sympathies to Virgil's family. He was my daughter's swimming instructor. She learned a lot from him over the past few years, but I believe that I learned even more by observing him. In both word and action, Virgil communicated "you've got this" and at the same time "I'm here for you." My daughter grew braver each week in the pool. The techniques clicked for her in a way that they never did with other teachers. I often nervously thought that she was "in over her head." That's when I saw his calm demeanor and the confidence he was transmitting to the kids. It was really incredible to see how they all blossomed with that kind of mentorship. Thank you, Virgil, for the help with swimming, and much more importantly, for teaching me to get out of the way and see what my kids can do.
