Robert "Bo" Alan White

Robert “Bo” Alan White, 72, of Saginaw, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 17th, 2025. Born on September 5th, 1952, to Rollin and Patsy (Smith) White, Bo’s life was as rich and vibrant as a classic vinyl record. 

Bo married the love of his life, Lisa Matuzak, on December 16th, 1978. Their duet created a beautiful family, and his life’s symphony includes their children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Lisa, his four children and ten grandchildren: Kristy White and her children Olivia(Andrew) and Gabriel; Ryan (Amanda) White and their children Jackson, Mia and Madrix; Kari White and her daughter Jocelyn, Allysha (John) Guldenzoph and their children Hailey, Brayden, Abigail and Michael; siblings Bill (Suzanne) White, Sandy (Gary) Mott, Ruth Dunn, Mike Matuzak, Pat (Paula) Matuzak, and Karla Matuzak; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Rollin and Patsy White, in-laws Vincent and Thelma Matuzak, brother and sister in laws Diane and Ed Premo, Bob Dunn, Jeff Matuzak; nephews Gary Premo and Justin Matuzak; his fur babies Max and Molly. 

Bo graduated from Arthur Hill High School and continued his education with a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. 

After 25 dedicated years, he retired from Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority, where he was highly respected in the child and family services/mental health field. Bo was honored with an Improving Practices Champion Award for his trauma-informed care.

His calming demeanor, acceptance of everyone and his gift of empathy led to him often being there for those in need, even if they didn’t realize they needed it. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Bo’s life, much like a cherished vinyl record, was filled with the vibrant melodies of his laughter, the rhythm of his hard work, and the soulful ballads of his love and kindness. 

Bo was a huge music lover and brought live music to the community through his business, White's Bar, which he owned from 1984 to 2025. He shared his love of music with his family, whether jamming in the garage to an old jukebox or experiencing concerts and music festivals together. Bo gave local musicians a stage to showcase their talents and hosted many national acts. He wrote numerous band reviews for the Review Magazine and published his own book on the Michigan music scene, titled *When the Kids Stopped Dancing.* 

While Bo loved spending quiet nights with his wife or going to loud rock concerts with his children, his greatest joy was spending quality time with his 10 grandchildren. Family was the most important thing to him and he definitely showed that with how much love he gave.

Bo enjoyed family camping trips, vacations, swimming, reading, writing, napping and working out. He loved sweets, even the quirky candies that nobody else seemed to like, such as circus peanuts, Good & Plenty’s, stale Peeps, and candy corn. 

He was known for tidying up wrapping paper after family gatherings, lingering by the dessert table at events, and singing random songs throughout the day. He had a song for everything—rocking grandkids to “Pressure, pressure, I got pressure” or dancing with them to “Shake it, baby, shake it”—even if the lyrics didn’t always match the moment.

Bo’s record may have reached its final groove, but his melody will forever echo in the hearts of his family and friends. Bo left the world brighter for having been in it, and he will be missed beyond measure. 

Until we meet again, *Peace and Love!*

Visitation with the family will be held at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw MI 48603 on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 3:00PM -8:00PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday February 22, 2025 from 11:00AM-12:00PM with a celebration of his life beginning at 12:00 Noon.  Please share your words of condolence and memories of Bo at www.casefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donations to:

Major Chords for Minors

or

CAN Council of Saginaw