Michael George
Michael George, 57, of Goldendale, died April 29, 2010, when the vehicle he was in was hit by a passenger train west of Roosevelt.
He was born April 5, 1953, to Buster and Alyane George in The Dalles. Mike lived most of his life near Goldendale, where he graduated from high school in 1971. He also graduated from Mt. Hood Community College in 2003 with Honors, receiving his AAS Degree in Fisheries Technology.
After high school he went to work at the aluminum plant. He later went to work with the Yakama Nation. Mike was an independent contractor for firewood vending. He co-owned and managed a commercial fish company with his brothers and domestic partner.
Michael never got married but had a significant other named Donna Lopez for more than 10 years. He raised her three children and one grandchild with her. They went their separate ways, but he continued to be dad to the grown children and grandpa to their children.
Throughout his life he was known for being an active member of the community. He was the appointed Whip man, a powwow dancer, a horseman, a drummer and singer in the longhouse.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents Gus and Susan (Billy) George, and Judd and Isabel (Perry) Frank; parents Buster and Alyane George; sister Caroline Duchess George; and brothers Stuart Charlie Brown George, William George, and Montgomery George.
He is survived by brother Lewis George; sisters Monica N. George and Alina George; children Rachel George, Lionel George, Adele George, Renee Jim, and Marisa Hawk; and aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces, and grandchildren.
A dressing ceremony was held at the Rock Creek Longhouse on April 30, with burial at Black Wolf Cemetery.
