A visitation will be held Friday November 14, 2008 at Anderson's Tribute Center from 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral services for George M. Ackerman will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hood River, Oregon, on Saturday November 15th at 11:00 AM. Internment at Pine Grove Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of his life at the Crag Rat Hut.
Born January 26, 1932 in El Paso, Texas, to George Felix Ackerman, a Mining Engineer, and Effie Wagner, an Educator.
George spent the first 14 years of his life in the mountain mining towns along the Silver Trail of Mexico, where his father worked for an American mining company. He learned to speak Spanish before he learned English, and enjoyed hacienda life with his younger sister Berles, in the company compounds of the towns of Fresnillo, Monte Real, and Pachuca, Mexico.
At the conclusion of the Second World War, after which Mexico nationalized the mines, his father left Mexico and purchased a fruit orchard in Odell, Oregon in 1946. George entered public school, skipping a grade due to his advances from his mother's home schooling, and worked summers on his father's farm. He graduated from Odell High School at age 17.
The Korean War erupted at the end of his first year at Oregon State University's Architectural Engineering program, so George enlisted in the US Navy, trained as an Aviation Machinist Mate and aircraft Crew Chief and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS. Princeton and USS. Oriskany, off the Korean coast. Serving proudly for 4 years, he returned from the war to Portland, and in the spring of '55, he met the love of his life, Faith Manion, a soon to be graduate of Providence School of Nursing.
George and Faith were married December 26, 1955 and soon after moved to the mid-west so George could attend St. Louis University College of Engineering, Aviation & Technology where he completed a course of instruction in Aviation maintenance. At the same time, George started his family with the birth of twins Paula and Vincent.
From there he moved his new family to Seattle where Boeing Aircraft Company employed him as a final assembly inspector on the newly designed KC-135 Air Force Tanker. In February 1958, due to his fathers declining health, they returned to the Hood River valley to take over the family orchard.
Despite no longer able to pursue his career in aviation, George quickly adjusted to his new life. He welcomed two more children to the family: a son Dan, and daughter Amy. He rapidly learned his fathers farming business and put his technical skills to use. Intelligent and creative, he became well known in the valley as a man that never found a problem he couldn't solve, and could design, build or fix anything. A respected welder and machinist, if he didn't have the tools to do a job right �" he'd often make the tool. He built his own shop and repaired not only his equipment but other's in the valley who were otherwise short the skills to do so themselves. Many in the valley have benefited from George's natural engineering ability.
He was constantly involved in various business and community organizations. He was a member of both the Odell Volunteer Fire Department and Pine Grove Fire Department, and a co-founder of the Pine Grove Fireman's Auction. He was active in all parts of the fruit industry, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the East Fork Irrigation District, and Diamond Fruit Growers Corporation. He was a member of the Port of Hood River Marina Advisory Committee, and an Honorary Member of Crag Rats.
He was widely known throughout the valley as a champion for the migrant worker. He was fluent in Spanish and provided translation and legal help for both farmers and workers alike, never turning away anyone who sought him out. He helped many become American citizens, and many more to become documented workers.
George was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting, fishing, camping, and skiing. He raised horses and spent 9 years helping his children in the 4H Horse program, traveling to various County Fairs and horse shows. He collected classic cars. He was also an avid motorcyclist and bought his last Harley at age 72. George loved the water and was a life long boater. He rebuilt and expanded the popular swim dock that was anchored for decades in front of what is now the Hood River Inn. His proudest accomplishment was to build the first new boat house in the Hood River Marina in over 40 years.
George was a devoted family man and good provider who cared deeply for his family. Married to his loving wife Faith for 53 years, he also ensured that all 4 of his children received a college education. He was honest to a fault, and always a gentlemen. George was a man of integrity.
Two months short of his 77th birthday, George finally succumbed to a long battle with cancer, but he wore his pain with courage and without complaint. His family is extremely proud to have had such a wonderful man leading them through life.
He is survived by his wife Faith, and children Vincent, Paula, Danny and Amy. Four Grandchildren: Alexis, Rachael, Teresa and Alisa.
He was preceded in death by his parents Felix and Effie Ackerman, his sister Berles, a daughter, a son, and a granddaughter.
Remembrances are suggested to: OHSU Foundation Benefit Oncology, Hematology in care of Anderson Tribute Center, Hood River, OR 97031.
Born January 26, 1932 in El Paso, Texas, to George Felix Ackerman, a Mining Engineer, and Effie Wagner, an Educator.
George spent the first 14 years of his life in the mountain mining towns along the Silver Trail of Mexico, where his father worked for an American mining company. He learned to speak Spanish before he learned English, and enjoyed hacienda life with his younger sister Berles, in the company compounds of the towns of Fresnillo, Monte Real, and Pachuca, Mexico.
At the conclusion of the Second World War, after which Mexico nationalized the mines, his father left Mexico and purchased a fruit orchard in Odell, Oregon in 1946. George entered public school, skipping a grade due to his advances from his mother's home schooling, and worked summers on his father's farm. He graduated from Odell High School at age 17.
The Korean War erupted at the end of his first year at Oregon State University's Architectural Engineering program, so George enlisted in the US Navy, trained as an Aviation Machinist Mate and aircraft Crew Chief and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS. Princeton and USS. Oriskany, off the Korean coast. Serving proudly for 4 years, he returned from the war to Portland, and in the spring of '55, he met the love of his life, Faith Manion, a soon to be graduate of Providence School of Nursing.
George and Faith were married December 26, 1955 and soon after moved to the mid-west so George could attend St. Louis University College of Engineering, Aviation & Technology where he completed a course of instruction in Aviation maintenance. At the same time, George started his family with the birth of twins Paula and Vincent.
From there he moved his new family to Seattle where Boeing Aircraft Company employed him as a final assembly inspector on the newly designed KC-135 Air Force Tanker. In February 1958, due to his fathers declining health, they returned to the Hood River valley to take over the family orchard.
Despite no longer able to pursue his career in aviation, George quickly adjusted to his new life. He welcomed two more children to the family: a son Dan, and daughter Amy. He rapidly learned his fathers farming business and put his technical skills to use. Intelligent and creative, he became well known in the valley as a man that never found a problem he couldn't solve, and could design, build or fix anything. A respected welder and machinist, if he didn't have the tools to do a job right �" he'd often make the tool. He built his own shop and repaired not only his equipment but other's in the valley who were otherwise short the skills to do so themselves. Many in the valley have benefited from George's natural engineering ability.
He was constantly involved in various business and community organizations. He was a member of both the Odell Volunteer Fire Department and Pine Grove Fire Department, and a co-founder of the Pine Grove Fireman's Auction. He was active in all parts of the fruit industry, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the East Fork Irrigation District, and Diamond Fruit Growers Corporation. He was a member of the Port of Hood River Marina Advisory Committee, and an Honorary Member of Crag Rats.
He was widely known throughout the valley as a champion for the migrant worker. He was fluent in Spanish and provided translation and legal help for both farmers and workers alike, never turning away anyone who sought him out. He helped many become American citizens, and many more to become documented workers.
George was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting, fishing, camping, and skiing. He raised horses and spent 9 years helping his children in the 4H Horse program, traveling to various County Fairs and horse shows. He collected classic cars. He was also an avid motorcyclist and bought his last Harley at age 72. George loved the water and was a life long boater. He rebuilt and expanded the popular swim dock that was anchored for decades in front of what is now the Hood River Inn. His proudest accomplishment was to build the first new boat house in the Hood River Marina in over 40 years.
George was a devoted family man and good provider who cared deeply for his family. Married to his loving wife Faith for 53 years, he also ensured that all 4 of his children received a college education. He was honest to a fault, and always a gentlemen. George was a man of integrity.
Two months short of his 77th birthday, George finally succumbed to a long battle with cancer, but he wore his pain with courage and without complaint. His family is extremely proud to have had such a wonderful man leading them through life.
He is survived by his wife Faith, and children Vincent, Paula, Danny and Amy. Four Grandchildren: Alexis, Rachael, Teresa and Alisa.
He was preceded in death by his parents Felix and Effie Ackerman, his sister Berles, a daughter, a son, and a granddaughter.
Remembrances are suggested to: OHSU Foundation Benefit Oncology, Hematology in care of Anderson Tribute Center, Hood River, OR 97031.
A visitation will be held Friday November 14, 2008 at Anderson's Tribute Center from 6:00-8:00pm. Funeral services for George M. Ackerman will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Hood River, Oregon, on Saturday November 15th at 11:00 AM. Internment at Pine Grove Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of his life at the Crag Rat Hut.
Born January 26, 1932 in El Paso, Texas, to George Felix Ackerman, a Mining Engineer, and Effie Wagner, an Educator.
George spent the first 14 years of his life in the mountain mining towns along the Silver Trail of Mexico, where his father worked for an American mining company. He learned to speak Spanish before he learned English, and enjoyed hacienda life with his younger sister Berles, in the company compounds of the towns of Fresnillo, Monte Real, and Pachuca, Mexico.
At the conclusion of the Second World War, after which Mexico nationalized the mines, his father left Mexico and purchased a fruit orchard in Odell, Oregon in 1946. George entered public school, skipping a grade due to his advances from his mother's home schooling, and worked summers on his father's farm. He graduated from Odell High School at age 17.
The Korean War erupted at the end of his first year at Oregon State University's Architectural Engineering program, so George enlisted in the US Navy, trained as an Aviation Machinist Mate and aircraft Crew Chief and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS. Princeton and USS. Oriskany, off the Korean coast. Serving proudly for 4 years, he returned from the war to Portland, and in the spring of '55, he met the love of his life, Faith Manion, a soon to be graduate of Providence School of Nursing.
George and Faith were married December 26, 1955 and soon after moved to the mid-west so George could attend St. Louis University College of Engineering, Aviation & Technology where he completed a course of instruction in Aviation maintenance. At the same time, George started his family with the birth of twins Paula and Vincent.
From there he moved his new family to Seattle where Boeing Aircraft Company employed him as a final assembly inspector on the newly designed KC-135 Air Force Tanker. In February 1958, due to his fathers declining health, they returned to the Hood River valley to take over the family orchard.
Despite no longer able to pursue his career in aviation, George quickly adjusted to his new life. He welcomed two more children to the family: a son Dan, and daughter Amy. He rapidly learned his fathers farming business and put his technical skills to use. Intelligent and creative, he became well known in the valley as a man that never found a problem he couldn't solve, and could design, build or fix anything. A respected welder and machinist, if he didn't have the tools to do a job right �" he'd often make the tool. He built his own shop and repaired not only his equipment but other's in the valley who were otherwise short the skills to do so themselves. Many in the valley have benefited from George's natural engineering ability.
He was constantly involved in various business and community organizations. He was a member of both the Odell Volunteer Fire Department and Pine Grove Fire Department, and a co-founder of the Pine Grove Fireman's Auction. He was active in all parts of the fruit industry, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the East Fork Irrigation District, and Diamond Fruit Growers Corporation. He was a member of the Port of Hood River Marina Advisory Committee, and an Honorary Member of Crag Rats.
He was widely known throughout the valley as a champion for the migrant worker. He was fluent in Spanish and provided translation and legal help for both farmers and workers alike, never turning away anyone who sought him out. He helped many become American citizens, and many more to become documented workers.
George was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting, fishing, camping, and skiing. He raised horses and spent 9 years helping his children in the 4H Horse program, traveling to various County Fairs and horse shows. He collected classic cars. He was also an avid motorcyclist and bought his last Harley at age 72. George loved the water and was a life long boater. He rebuilt and expanded the popular swim dock that was anchored for decades in front of what is now the Hood River Inn. His proudest accomplishment was to build the first new boat house in the Hood River Marina in over 40 years.
George was a devoted family man and good provider who cared deeply for his family. Married to his loving wife Faith for 53 years, he also ensured that all 4 of his children received a college education. He was honest to a fault, and always a gentlemen. George was a man of integrity.
Two months short of his 77th birthday, George finally succumbed to a long battle with cancer, but he wore his pain with courage and without complaint. His family is extremely proud to have had such a wonderful man leading them through life.
He is survived by his wife Faith, and children Vincent, Paula, Danny and Amy. Four Grandchildren: Alexis, Rachael, Teresa and Alisa.
He was preceded in death by his parents Felix and Effie Ackerman, his sister Berles, a daughter, a son, and a granddaughter.
Remembrances are suggested to: OHSU Foundation Benefit Oncology, Hematology in care of Anderson Tribute Center, Hood River, OR 97031.
Born January 26, 1932 in El Paso, Texas, to George Felix Ackerman, a Mining Engineer, and Effie Wagner, an Educator.
George spent the first 14 years of his life in the mountain mining towns along the Silver Trail of Mexico, where his father worked for an American mining company. He learned to speak Spanish before he learned English, and enjoyed hacienda life with his younger sister Berles, in the company compounds of the towns of Fresnillo, Monte Real, and Pachuca, Mexico.
At the conclusion of the Second World War, after which Mexico nationalized the mines, his father left Mexico and purchased a fruit orchard in Odell, Oregon in 1946. George entered public school, skipping a grade due to his advances from his mother's home schooling, and worked summers on his father's farm. He graduated from Odell High School at age 17.
The Korean War erupted at the end of his first year at Oregon State University's Architectural Engineering program, so George enlisted in the US Navy, trained as an Aviation Machinist Mate and aircraft Crew Chief and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS. Princeton and USS. Oriskany, off the Korean coast. Serving proudly for 4 years, he returned from the war to Portland, and in the spring of '55, he met the love of his life, Faith Manion, a soon to be graduate of Providence School of Nursing.
George and Faith were married December 26, 1955 and soon after moved to the mid-west so George could attend St. Louis University College of Engineering, Aviation & Technology where he completed a course of instruction in Aviation maintenance. At the same time, George started his family with the birth of twins Paula and Vincent.
From there he moved his new family to Seattle where Boeing Aircraft Company employed him as a final assembly inspector on the newly designed KC-135 Air Force Tanker. In February 1958, due to his fathers declining health, they returned to the Hood River valley to take over the family orchard.
Despite no longer able to pursue his career in aviation, George quickly adjusted to his new life. He welcomed two more children to the family: a son Dan, and daughter Amy. He rapidly learned his fathers farming business and put his technical skills to use. Intelligent and creative, he became well known in the valley as a man that never found a problem he couldn't solve, and could design, build or fix anything. A respected welder and machinist, if he didn't have the tools to do a job right �" he'd often make the tool. He built his own shop and repaired not only his equipment but other's in the valley who were otherwise short the skills to do so themselves. Many in the valley have benefited from George's natural engineering ability.
He was constantly involved in various business and community organizations. He was a member of both the Odell Volunteer Fire Department and Pine Grove Fire Department, and a co-founder of the Pine Grove Fireman's Auction. He was active in all parts of the fruit industry, serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the East Fork Irrigation District, and Diamond Fruit Growers Corporation. He was a member of the Port of Hood River Marina Advisory Committee, and an Honorary Member of Crag Rats.
He was widely known throughout the valley as a champion for the migrant worker. He was fluent in Spanish and provided translation and legal help for both farmers and workers alike, never turning away anyone who sought him out. He helped many become American citizens, and many more to become documented workers.
George was an avid outdoorsman, and loved hunting, fishing, camping, and skiing. He raised horses and spent 9 years helping his children in the 4H Horse program, traveling to various County Fairs and horse shows. He collected classic cars. He was also an avid motorcyclist and bought his last Harley at age 72. George loved the water and was a life long boater. He rebuilt and expanded the popular swim dock that was anchored for decades in front of what is now the Hood River Inn. His proudest accomplishment was to build the first new boat house in the Hood River Marina in over 40 years.
George was a devoted family man and good provider who cared deeply for his family. Married to his loving wife Faith for 53 years, he also ensured that all 4 of his children received a college education. He was honest to a fault, and always a gentlemen. George was a man of integrity.
Two months short of his 77th birthday, George finally succumbed to a long battle with cancer, but he wore his pain with courage and without complaint. His family is extremely proud to have had such a wonderful man leading them through life.
He is survived by his wife Faith, and children Vincent, Paula, Danny and Amy. Four Grandchildren: Alexis, Rachael, Teresa and Alisa.
He was preceded in death by his parents Felix and Effie Ackerman, his sister Berles, a daughter, a son, and a granddaughter.
Remembrances are suggested to: OHSU Foundation Benefit Oncology, Hematology in care of Anderson Tribute Center, Hood River, OR 97031.
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