Obituary of Thomas Craig George

No man is an island entire of itself; every man

is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe

is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as

well as any manner of thy friends or of thine

own were; any man's death diminishes me,

because I am involved in mankind.

And therefore never send to know for whom

the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

- John Donne

Thomas Craig George passed away on March 15th, 2020 in Lakewood near Tacoma, WA after a five-year struggle with dementia.

Tom was born in San Francisco, CA on December 8th, 1945, to the late Lila LeDue during her first marriage. His brothers Mike and Bob soon followed, and, after his mother met and married the late Nate George and moved with him to Napa, CA his half-brothers Joe and Frank were born. Tom took great pleasure in caring for his younger brothers.

Following a stint in the Army, Tom moved to the Seattle area in the late 1960’s, eventually settling in the Capitol Hill area and becoming a cook in local restaurants. Later, Tom became a janitor, working in both the Mariners and Seahawks stadiums along with the many high-rise buildings in Seattle.

In Tom’s own words, he “fell in love with Seattle”, and enjoyed many years visiting the many local attractions and festivals, including his beloved Bumbershoot. He also appreciated the company of the many cats he cared for over the years.

When his mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Tom took the first of many long train trips to reunite with his family and assist in her care. After she passed away, he returned to Seattle where he continued to keep in contact with his brothers and other relatives, including his niece Anna and her husband Nick who relocated to the Seattle area for a time.

Unfortunately, Tom was diagnosed with dementia in 2015 and spent the remaining years in several care facilities in the Seattle area. He remained in contact with his family up until his death, with his youngest brother Frank visiting him in his newest residence; he recognized his brother and told the staff “Last one” when asked who his visitor was.

Tom is survived by his brothers Mike of Ramona, Bob of Sacramento, Joe of Napa, and Frank of Modesto, all in California. The family wishes to extend its gratitude for those who cared for Tom during the last season of his life, including the staff of Franciscan Hospice for timely needed care and transport; and especially the kind, proactive, and unfaltering care he received from owners Ian and Rachel and their staff at the Bliss and Care / Grecha Adult Care Manor in Tacoma / Lakewood. Edwards Memorial of University Place handled the cremation arrangements. His ashes were sent back home to California according to his wishes where his family will have a private memorial.

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