Induction Ceremony Presentation Script

“Bob White was an iconic figure in Maine athletics, primarily known for his highly respected career as a soccer official and educator, dedicating over four decades to the sport. A lifelong resident of Caribou, he was instrumental in establishing the officiating community in Northern Maine. In 1962, he helped establish the Aroostook County Board of Soccer Officials. He was a charter member of the Northern Maine Board of Approved Soccer Officials and served as the State Rules Interpreter for the Maine Association of Soccer Officials for 28 years. His expertise led him to officiate a record number of state championship games. After graduating from Springfield College, he taught Physical Education, Swimming, and Driver Education at the Limestone School Department from 1965 until his retirement in 1991. He was a respected community leader in Caribou, known for his work with the Little League Baseball program, and the Bob White Soccer Field in Caribou is named in his honor. He received numerous accolades for his service and dedication, including:

National Federation National High School Hall of Fame (2012): He was the first person from Maine to be inducted for soccer.

National Federation of High School Officials High School Referee of the Year (2002).

University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame (1997) and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Maine Principals Association (MPA) Service to Youth Award (2000).

The Bob White Award was instituted by MASO in his name in 2014, recognizing officials who exemplify knowledge, integrity, and dedication. He was the inaugural recipient of the award.

Bob White who lived a life of purpose, finding satisfaction in serving others, passed away in February 2023. He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Mark, and daughter Susan.”

Bio

Bob White was an iconic figure in Maine athletics, particularly for his career as a highly respected soccer official. A lifelong resident of Caribou, he dedicated over four decades to the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s officiating community.

Upon graduating from Springfield College Bob moved to Maine to take a position “sight unseen” as a Physical Education teacher and coach at Patten Academy. Despite being far from home, his outgoing nature allowed him to quickly connect with the community. After a one-year stint in the Army, he returned to Patten before teaching briefly at Houlton High School and Bridgewater Classical Academy. In 1965, he found his true educational home with the Limestone School Department, where he taught Physical Education, Swimming, and Driver Education until his retirement in 1991. Even after leaving the classroom, Bob continued to serve his community for another twenty-five years at the Caribou Shop ‘n Save (Hannaford), where he cherished the daily interactions and opportunities to connect with people. In 1962 he attended a meeting with Ken Roberts and Charlie Butt to establish the Aroostook County Board of Soccer Officials and the rest is history.

Bob’s career was defined by his commitment to excellence and the development of others. He was a charter member of the Northern Maine Board of Approved Soccer Officials and a long-standing member of the Maine Association of Soccer Officials (MASO), where he served as the State Rules Interpreter for 28 years. His expertise led him to officiate a record number of state championship games.

His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including:

1997 Inducted into the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame

2000 Maine Principals Association (MPA) Service to Youth Award

2002 National Federation of High School Officials High School Referee of the Year

2009 MIAAA Larry Labrie Distinguished Service Award

20011 MPA Larry Labie Award for Outstanding Contributions to the MPA Interscholastic Division

2012 National Federation National High School Hall of Fame (the first person from Maine inducted for soccer)

2014 Bob White Award instituted by MASO in his name, recognizing officials who exemplify knowledge, integrity, and dedication. He was the inaugural recipient of the award.

In addition to his refereeing, Bob was a respected educator and a community leader in Caribou, known for his work with the Little League Baseball program. The Bob White Soccer Field in Caribou is named in his honor. Bob was named the Maine Recreation and Parks Association Citizen of the Year in 1983, and the Caribou Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1984. The City of Caribou also named July 12, 1997, as Robert P. White Day for his work with the Little League Baseball program. He was inducted into the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Sports Hall of Fame and Bob’s dedication to sports and service extended to numerous other organizations. He was actively involved with the Maine Principals Association (MPA), where he directed numerous wrestling meets and received multiple awards for his service, including induction into the MPA Hall of Excellence. For decades, he served as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Aroostook League, where he mentored countless athletic administrators. He was also a passionate member of Maine Sports Legends, working on its Board of Directors. Additionally, he was an active member of the Retired Educators Association and president of his class at Springfield College.

Many Referees and Coaches, who attended the yearly “Rules Interpretation Sessions” headed by Bob, remember the “Bag of Potatoes” from Aroostook County. At the end of the meeting Bob would raffle off the bag of potatoes.

Bob White lived a life of purpose, finding great satisfaction in serving others and building meaningful relationships. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen (Bates) White; his son, Mark White, and his wife, Jennifer Bourassa; his daughter, Susan; and his sister-in-law, Rae Bates, and her husband, David Michaud.