Eric White and Family, Neighbors and Friends

We know Aaron Thatcher primarily while he serving as our wards High Council Rep for the late 20th Ward.  He wasted no time getting to know us and it should have been the other way around.  Though our association is limited, we have become friends.

He was excited to learn that I was willing to watch a "chick flick" with my wife Melissa.  After that we have exchanged a few good ones for our weekend watching list.  

The thing I appreciate most about Aaron is he never talks about himself.  The subject is always on the person with whom he was talking.  There were many times I wanted to get to know more about his baseball career, but before you knew it he would be too involved asking questions about you, your kids, your family etc.  I still want to know more, so one of these days....

I once told him his talks sounded as if he were a speaker in General Conference (...that's a good thing).  He spoke with quiet and calm authority and you were riveted while he spoke.  He has that kind of General Authority voice, that I'm sure if the bretheren heard he would be called up soon, but not just for his voice for that's just the tip of the ice berg with Aaron...his whole person and demeanor expresses "this is a really good man".  We are very sad to hear of him and his families struggles.  Personally, I lost my mother at a young age, so news like this hits particularly close with me.  May God bless him and his family through this trying time.

He helped me while on the High Council put together the first stake soccer season and was very helpful.  He just had to come out opening night to see how things were turning out.  He snapped a bunch of pictures and made me feel like a hero.  I recall one night the night-lights didn't work so he dropped everything and came with his wife Lorraine down the the field to see if he could help.  I jimmied a few things around and before I finished turning them on, he was calling me a genius.  He is the kind of friend who just makes you feel good about yourself, even over simple things....an all to rare thing these days.

Honestly, there are ONLY about 4 people in my life who I personally know that I really look up to and greatly admire for the character and person they are.  One I meet in the mission-field, one is a family member, one is in my neighborhood and other one is ....Aaron Thatcher.  We pray for you and your family every day.  Our hearts are heavy when I think of what you and your family are going through.

Lastly, my daughter Cambria learned the Thatcher's raised rabbits and she had to have one.  Attached is a photo he took of my daughter and I come "weening day".  You can tell the photo was taken at like the 7 foot tall level as its angled so far down.  His kids were gracious enough to part with a couple of bunny family members for a wanting little girl who has named them "kisses" and "Marseline".  Thank you.  She is taking very good care of them.

Your friends, 

Eric, Melissa White and family