In memoriam: Scott White

State Sen. Scott White, 41, was found dead of heart failure, the result of an enlarged heart, in his hotel room Oct. 21.

White, a Seattle Democrat, was an alumnus of Western Washington University and the University of Washington.

"I am deeply saddened about the passing of Scott White, a person I considered a friend," said Western President Bruce Shepard. "He was a dedicated and thoughtful legislator, one who was clearly devoted to the best interests of the people of Washington. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Scott’s family during this sad and difficult time. We are very proud that he was an alumnus of Western Washington University and so appreciative of his good work on our behalf. There was no question that he cared deeply about how education transforms people’s lives and was dedicated to ensuring that for current and future generations."

White was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2008 and then to the Senate in 2010. He was vice chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He represented the state's 46th District, which included some of northern Seattle.

"Scott White was such a good and kind person," said Sherry Burkey, associate vice president for University Relations and director of Government Relations at WWU. "You could tell he loved his work, but he really lit up when he talked about his family. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile and a creative and positive approach to dealing with issues. He was a strong champion for both Western and all of higher education. We have lost a wonderful friend and leader. My heart goes out to his wife and family."

Surviving White are his wife, Alison, and two children, ages 5 and 3.

"My heart goes out to the family of Senator Scott White tonight," Gov. Chris Gregoire said in a statement released on Friday. "Scott was a dedicated public servant and champion of important issues in Olympia. He was never afraid to tackle the difficult problems - and did so with a positive attitude, which I always appreciated. I found him to be an absolute pleasure to work with, and a legislator who served his district and the entire state well. He had a bright and promising future ahead of him. My family and I will keep Scott and his family in our thoughts and prayers."

White, an Olympia native, earned his bachelor's degree from Western and his master's of public administration from the UW's Evans School of Public Affairs.