George Reathaford

George A. Reathaford was born March 16, 1930, in Perry, Illinois, to Harry and Mariella Reathaford. He passed peacefully with family by his side on June 25, 2025, in Wenatchee. Washington. Growing up during the great depression, he learned to be frugal and resourceful, traits he improved upon throughout his life. In fact, he could make a “do-hicky” or “thing-a-ma-jig” for almost anything. After graduating from high school in the “top 12" of his class of 12 in 1948, he moved to Chicago for a short time. From there, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Moses Lake and then Spokane, Washington. He met the love of his life, Alice R. Lee, at a USO show. They were married on October 18, 1952, in Spokane, Washington. From this union, they were blessed with three sons, aka the “toeheads”. They were married for 50 years and worked hard together to raise a family and then follow their dreams. Sadly, 7 months after their 50th anniversary, Alice passed away suddenly. It left a big hole in his heart. He tried hard not to let it show, but we all knew it was there. After his tour of duty, he started a career with the Great Northern Railroad, first as a fireman, then as a locomotive engineer. In 1965, he transferred to Wenatchee, Washington, and that became his lifetime home. George was known as a hard worker, and he took pride in teaching his boys the value of it. He also balanced his time with family adventures, road trips (in the 60s they were known as Sunday drives), camping, fishing and hiking, and trips to see family and friends. As his boys grew and learned, he quietly, in his own way, learned how to shape his sons into young men capable of facing the future as they made a life for themselves. A job he did well, and with pride, especially as he looked back in his later years. As the nest emptied, his next hobby became being on the pit crew of a stock car race team, including transporting the stock car to race tracks all over the Pacific Northwest. He was a lifetime fan and watched races almost every weekend. He and Alice went to both the Indianapolis 500 and many trips to the Daytona 500. His next hobby was square dancing, and he jumped in with both feet, clear up to his elbows. They had a dance floor in the new house and were certified in teaching and cueing. From there, they went all over the country in their fifth-wheel, visiting museums, historical sites, and dancing, keeping life an adventure. For years, he went to Phoenix, AZ, for the winter to be near his children and great-grandchildren and because he could dance seven days a week. He had to give it up at age 90 as all the replacement parts (knees and hips) were wearing out. After he quit traveling, he kept busy with his tomato garden and watching sports on TV. March Madness was almost 24/7 coverage, and he would stay up all night watching it and taking naps only during commercials or maybe most of the game. The same thing happened with the Mariners or the Seahawks. If you told him a good joke, he would laugh until it hurt. Playing a practical joke on someone would double him over with laughter. His long-time barber said “He is an ornery old turd, but he is lovable.” 33 years of retirement, living independently till the very end, and doing it “his way” was George through and through. Our family patriarch has passed from his earthly bonds. He leaves behind a life well lived and a family he loved with all his heart. He had enormous pride in his family and fond memories of all of us. We will always remember his impish smile when he was tickled or about to burst out laughing. Rest in peace, Dad. Your legacy lives on. George is survived by his sons Don (Nancy), Glenn (Leticia), Bruce (Lori), 7 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Alice, parents Harry and Mariella, his brother Dick, great-grandsons Clayton Reathaford and Ron Crawford. A Celebration of his Life will be held on August 16th at 1 p.m. at the Wenatchee City Cemetery with a follow-up gathering at Rotary Park for food and beverages and a time to share memories with our family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Our family would like to thank Caring Cottage Adult Family Home for their compassion, patience, and kindness they showed in all the challenging adventures he introduced them to. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

George Reathaford

March 16, 1930 - June 25, 2025