George Leslie Gurwell born September 23, 1920 to Pearl and George W. Gurwell in Jerome, ID passed on in his journey on Tuesday March 2, 2004 at Hospice House.

At 4 years the family moved to Seaside, OR where George graduated from high school. He attended Oregon State University OSC where he met Jeane Slonaker and they were married in 1943.

Following ROTC George entered in the military service as a second lieutenant, later a first lieutenant. He transferred from Chemical Warfare to the paratroops and as a member of the 508th Parachute Infantry attached to the 82nd Airborne Division he jumped into Normandy on “D” Day behind German lines. He was wounded in action and after a brief recovery in England he rejoined his unit before the “Battle of the Bulge”. The 508th was designated as General Eisenhower’s Honor Guard.

Following V.J. Day end of WWII George returned home to again enroll at OSU to pursue a second bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.

In 1947 he moved to Richland, WA with his growing family to begin work at Hanford. He retired in 1984 after a severe heart attack.

George was a faithful Elder in the Community of Christ Church and was deeply committed to his Lord. Community activities included Meals on Wheels, Miss Tri-Cities Pageants, Ad Hoc Committees, ballet and theater groups. He was both past business and president of the Arts Council of Sunfest and Richland Light Opera. Recently he helped organize the “Young at Heart” theater group for seniors.

Besides church, his favorite activities were being a Hospice Volunteer and a long time member of the Richland Light Opera. He was twice president, producer, technical director, stage manager, general gopher, and sometimes chorus member. He loved music, and he loved working with all the multi-talented people with whom he felt a loving bond. Other loves were ocean fishing and mushroom gathering.

George is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeane of Richland, WA; son George Richard Gurwell Tammy of Lynwood, WA; daughters Linda Odenborg Neil of Moscow, ID; Janell Fowler Mike of W. Richland, WA and Susan Dodds and Fiancé Dr. Jack Talley of Atlanta, GA and the Dodds and Talley families. He is also survived by his brother Richard B. Gurwell Fernie; 15 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild along with nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in July.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House 2108 W. Entiat Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336 or to the Community of Christ Church, 1004 Long Ave. Richland, WA 99352.