George Gill, 76, Baker City, Ore., passed away at his home on June 6, 2007. Memorial Services will be held at the Eagles, 2935 H St. in Baker City on Saturday, June 16, 1 p.m. An additional memorial will be held on the Minam at a later date.
George was born in Oregon City, Ore., to Manuel and Mary Gill. George attended several schools in Oregon as a child, moving with his family as his father worked in the construction business. When George was 12 years old his father bought a ranch on the Minam in Wallowa County. George graduated from the 8th grade at Minam, Ore. He then went to work for Myron Fleser logging until he joined the US Navy in July 1950. He was a Boatswain’s Mate aboard the USS Kearsarge and served in the Korean War. He worked for Shell Oil Company in Anchorage, Alaska after returning from the service. In 1959 George returned to Wallowa County where he worked in the logging business for many years driving cat and falling logs. He did private trapping as a hobby and in 1976 went to work for the US Fish & Wildlife in Animal Damage Control. He was paid for what he loved to do. He worked in Jackson and Baker Counties and retired in 1991.
George enjoyed the outdoors and was an excellent marksman. He lived for hunting seasons, deer, elk, turkey, and goose and sitting around the campfire. He also enjoyed fishing, the bigger the better. Barbeques and fish fries with friends and family were some of his favorite times. With George’s wry grin and dry sense of humor, he will be missed by many. George was a lifetime member of the VFW and belonged to the American Legion, Eagles, Elks and Oregon Hunters.
George is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dana; daughters, Donna Fuchs and husband, Daryl and Lisa Gill; stepchildren, Jon Rigsbee and wife, Diana and Cindy LeVeque and husband, Paul; sister, Donna Clevenger; brother-in-law, Steve Ward and his wife, Diane; six grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Thanks to all our friends for the many years of good times, good stories and laughter. Special thanks to Chuck and Robin Mawhinney and family, Bob and Kate Garrett, and Darce Taxiera and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Mary Gill; and sister, Mary Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society, Pathway Hospice or Oregon Hunters through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, June 7, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor
