April 21, 1942 - February 13, 2016

Man of Courage and Compassion

Al passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, February 13, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Shelee King George, daughter, Jean George, and son, Eric George. He will be greatly missed by his house family, Christi, Jay, Brandon and Kyle as well as his many close friends. 

Al was a lifelong resident of Washington. Growing up in Seattle, he later moved to Mukilteo and eventually to the home he built on Big Lake in Mount Vernon, Washington. Here he lived with his wife,Shelee, daughter, Jean, and numerous friends over the years. He is missed by his dog, Ali, who is cuddling his red fuzzy blanket nightly.

Al was a master craftsman. He was a general contractor who had a passion for remodeling. Over the years, he transformed many homes, salvaged many sinking docks, upgraded many a kitchen and bath, and added decks to many homes. He spent many a weekend building in Pop's shop with his father in law. His legacy can be viewed from Seattle to Birch Bay. 

Al loved the water. His early years were spent with frequent trips to Birch Bay where his family had a summer home. He joined the Coast Guard in 1962 and served as a relief keeper for lighthouses in Maine. Al loved boating, was an avid water skier, and enjoyed crabbing and walking the beach. In 1989, his dream of having a waterfront home was realized when he and Shelee moved to Big Lake to build their current home. 

Later in life, Al's courage and strength served him well. Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2003, Al was determined to continue to play hard. He walked 5 miles daily, still slalom waterskied and worked on a variety of projects. In 2011, a massive stroke left him unable to walk, read, write, or talk. He fought hard to regain his mobility which he regained within 3 weeks. His speech never returned, but he could communicate clearly with his face and his hands and a few pat phrases such as WHAT? and WELL... If Mom called, he would "talk" to her on the phone with "yeah", "you bet" and whispered "night-night" or "love you" to her as he hung up. He lived fully, going out to dinner regularly, enjoying "NA Beer" at the firepit, traveling to Hawaii and to the ocean regularly. He spent his days with his loyal companion, Christi, while Shelee went to work. Together they would run errands, grab a marshmallow shake at the Chuck Wagon, or go through McDonald's drive through, Al's treat. Al is truly the bravest man I know and an example of persistence and determination. His journey has left behind a living example of strength and courage. 

Al loved life. He played hard and loved a big party on his home turf. Memorial Weekend, 4th of July, and Labor Day were his favorite holidays. Friends and family would roll in for a holiday weekend. It is only fitting that his celebration of life be during Memorial Weekend 2016. Please join us for a BIG PARTY on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at our home on Big Lake. 

Al, your memory is a gift, your passing is a sorrow, and you will live in our hearts forever. See you on the other side.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

At Al's request, there will be a BIG PARTY at 1:00 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at our home on Big Lake. Regular updates can be viewed on at www.facebook.com/AllAboutAl Contact Shelee skinggeorge@gmail.com if more information is needed.

A private family service will be held at our home in March to scatter Al's ashes.

DONATIONS

Optional donations can be made to the Parkinson's Association 7525 SE 24th St. Suite 300 Mercer Island, WA 98040

Memorial

Grief never ends...
But it changes.

It's a passage,
not a place to stay.

Grief is not
a sign of weakness,
nor a lack of faith.

It is the price of love.

Our love ones
never truly leave us...

They live on in
the kindness
they showed,

the comfort they shared,
and the love
they brought
into our lives.