April 07, 1948 - July 31, 2009

You brightened our lives with your vivacious spirit

Born on April 7, 1948 in Japan, George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. George is survived by his wife-Lisa, son-Martin, daughters-Tracie and Sheridan, sister-Kathy, brother-Kirk, along with five grandchildren-Kailee, Jarrod, Roget, Shaun, and Gavin.

George was diagnosed with liver cancer January 2007 which had recently spread to his lungs. George loved to travel, but once he learned of his cancer, family and traveling became a major priority in his life. He basically created his own "Bucket List." George wanted to experience and see the most of life he was able to until the very end, unfortunately, he did not make it to his biggest trip yet, a Mediterranean cruise.

George also loved to cook many different dishes. His family and friends always enjoyed to have dinners together with wonderful food prepared by the "Gourmet Chef" himself, and of course, we all have our favorites that will be missed. In September 2007, he also purchased a 2004 convertible SL500 Mercedes Benz, that was initially purchased for his wife's enjoyment. However, she found that she was never able to drive it because it quickly became George's personal toy. He loved to drive with the top down listening to "Fly Me To The Moon," by Frank Sinatra. The Mercedes was also the place where George spent the last few moments of his life.

He spent 44 years working at Albertson’s where he was planning to retire on August 1, 2010 when he reached his 45th year anniversary. In those 44 years, many people got to know him as a great leader and friend, along with some that only knew him as a "hard driver," but those individuals did not realize that George always expected the best from everyone. Many of these employees over the years have grown into a whole community that will remember him forever.

A special note from George’s brother Kirk…George, we would like to thank you for all the laughter and wonderful memories. You were an amazing brother and uncle. Whether it was fishing in the ocean, sound or lake, clamming at Ocean Shores, watching the Mariners, Seahawks or Sonics, enjoying a sunny day at the park, sharing birthdays, Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving or New Year feasts or feeding Kirk dog biscuits as a child, you brightened our lives with your vivacious spirit. You always spoiled us with your generosity. We don’t know how we will ever survive without you. Love Kirk, Miye, Karianne and Kristi.

George is now and forever on his favorite ride….…Soarin’ Over California.

An update from George's wife Lisa - Monday August 3rd

George had had been diagnosed with liver cancer in January 2007. He had chronic hepatitis that led to the liver cancer. At the time of diagnosis he was told he had 5 months and to get his affairs in order. He was determined to fight this and continued to live his life full and rich. We had just seen the his oncologist on Monday July 27th and was told after his blood work that George may have weeks, perhaps months and not much more. This information was a bit shocking since George was feeling pretty good and upbeat. I was scheduled to go to a horse show on Tuesday and asked George if he still wanted me to go. As always he wanted me to follow my passion. I left for the show on Tuesday and talked to George everyday to update him on my successes. I spoke to him on Friday morning about 9:00 am. He sounded upbeat but tired which was normal by the end of the week.

At about 11:00 pm that night I got a phone call from my daughter, she just had returned from work and found a card in the door that said to call about a family emergency. We tried to call the number and got no answer. I then phoned his daughter Tracie and asked if she had talked to him. It seemed late for him to be at a movie but she would go to the theater and see if he was there. I then called his best friend Bart and asked if he had talked to him. From that point on we were all in a panic to find him. I received a phone call from Tracie his daughter that said he had been found in his car. I was rushed from the horse show in Monroe to Auburn to meet George's daughter.

Tracie went to the movie theatre with her husband and Aunt to see if they saw his car. Not locating his car, they located police officers to inquire if any calls had been received involving a Mercedes Benz. The officers immediately knew what she was talking about. The officers asked them to park after confirming George's name and informed them that they had received a call and proceeded to tell her that he had passed. The officers informed Tracie that George was found in his car at about 5:30 pm, not breathing. They removed him and impounded his car. The autopsy was performed on Monday August 3rd, we were told that he only had half of his liver functioning and that he hemorrhaged from his liver and only had minutes. He had gone to lunch at 1:20 pm, bought lunch at Jack in the Box at 1:37 pm. He took a nap and never woke up. We were told that it was fast and painless. This is what he would have wanted. On his terms, somehow he always had the last word, even on his last day. I love him and always will.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor George Chen on Tuesday August 11, 2009 at 4:00 at Buckley Hall, 127 North River Rd., Buckely, WA 98321. 

ATTIRE: Please attend George's Celebration of Life in your favorite HAWAIIAN DRESS!

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in George's memory to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Memorial

Just as the Wave Cannot Exist

Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me. It is an uncomfortable doctrine which the true ethics whisper into my ear. You are happy, they say; therefore you are called upon to give much.

Albert Schweitzer

Looking into the portals of eternity

Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God's word; Then all prejudice of race vanishes away.

George Washington