1960-2025
Willie White passed away March 29th, 2025, leaving behind laughter, legendary recipes, and countless wine corks. Born in Peebles, Scotland, and raised in the village of Abington, Willie embarked on a culinary journey that took him around the world.
His career began as a chef at the Peebles Hydro in Scotland, where he honed his culinary skills. He continued at prestigious establishments, including Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor—cooking for Prince Charles and Lady Diana—and Eastwell Manor in Ashford, Kent, as Sous Chef, preparing meals for the likes of Baron Von Rothschild. Willie’s culinary adventures later took him to Guernsey in the Channel Islands and Bermuda’s Elbow Beach Hotel.
In 1986, Willie crossed the Atlantic to Canada, joining L’Hôtel in Toronto. In 1988, he moved to Edmonton, Alberta, becoming the youngest Executive Chef at Château Lacombe CP Hotels. He played a key role in reopening the historic Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton in 1990, serving as Executive Chef and cooking for notable guests such as Mick Jagger, Luciano Pavarotti, and Queen Elizabeth II. Following his time at Hotel Macdonald, Willie, Charlene, and Amber spent a year in the Cayman Islands, where Willie served as Executive Chef at the Westin Casuarina Resort. After briefly returning to Edmonton, their next adventure took them to New Brunswick, where Willie became Executive Chef at the Algonquin Hotel in Saint Andrews by-the-Sea.
The River House Grill was Willie’s dream realized—the culmination of decades of experience and passion wrapped into one local treasure. He built a devoted team and cherished regular customers, who became dear friends. Willie brought national recognition to the St. Albert food scene when the River House Grill was featured in the “Where to Eat in Canada” guide.
He shared his life’s journey with his beloved wife Charlene, celebrating 35 wonderful years of marriage, proudly raising two daughters, Kailey and Amber, often humorously claiming they inherited his brilliance and good looks. Willie loved animals almost as much as people, especially his cherished cat, China. He treasured traveling with his family. He was a die-hard hockey fan, especially when supporting his beloved Edmonton Oilers. His love for Scotland remained strong, and he never missed an opportunity to remind everyone that Scots invented everything worth having.
Willie’s greatest joy came as a grandfather to William, born in December 2024—his namesake and the crowning glory of his legacy.
Willie leaves behind a legacy seasoned with love, laughter, and a touch of mischief. He now reunites with his parents and is remembered with undying love by his wife Charlene; his daughter Amber, son-in-law Dave, and their son William; and his daughter Kailey and son-in-law Kyle.
The celebration of life will be held between 3:00pm - 5:00pm on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel West Edmonton (16615 109 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB).
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
