On Thursday he participated in a panel discussion about the importance of collaboration between the east side of the state and the west side of the state. According to Randy Hodgins, vice president of external affairs for the University of Washington, he went out for drinks with White and others following dinner on Thursday. “He was in a great mood like he always is,” said Hodgins.
Hodgins estimates that the group returned to the hotel at 10:30 p.m. He noticed that White was not in attendance for Friday's events but assumed that he had gone home early to be with his family. White is survived by his wife, Alison Carl White and two children.
“He was a tremendous husband, father and public official, and we are deeply moved by the nobility and honor with which his professional accomplishments are remembered,” said his wife in a statement released on October 23, 2011.
White is best known for his work in the advancement of transportation issues in the legislature. Just this year he was successful in pushing a bill that would permit local officials to apply a $20 congestion reduction fee to each vehicle. The money would then serve to fund the King County Metro, which largely serves commuters, seniors, and students.
Beyond advocating for transportation issues, White is remembered for his open-mindedness, which allowed him to reach all political groups. “What stood out was that he was ambitious but he was positive. He wasn't ambitious and divisive. Scott wanted to figure out how to be progressive and how to move forward in a positive way,” said State Senator Ed Murray, D- Seattle.
