George W. Kansky, 93, of Langley passed away at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008 in the loving arms of his family, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s.
He was a proud native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, born Dec. 6, 1914.
He graduated from Grant High School in 1933 and Iowa State University in 1939 with a bachelor of science degree in forestry. He received his master’s of science degree in range ecology in 1940. His master’s research for his thesis was done in the state he loved, Oregon.
George grew to love the mountains, trees and rangelands of Oregon so much that after college he worked at part-time jobs with the U. S. Forest Service and Weyerhaeuser Timber Company while he applied for a permanent position with the Forest Service in Oregon.
Meanwhile he was drafted for a year’s service in the Army that was extended to four plus years serving with the 29th Engineers Topographic Battalion, later as sergeant of the 2766th Engineers Topographic mapping company, as cartographer and multiplex control extender, mapping the Pacific Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Truk, Halmakera, New Guinea, Formosa and all of the Aleutian Islands. His final days in the military were carried out in Northeast Manila.
After returning from the Philippines in 1946 he returned to the love of his life, Helen whom he had married Sept. 11, 1943.
George, with Helen by his side, would begin his 30-year career with the U.S. Forest Service and eventually work in the forests of his beloved Oregon where he also instilled the love of the outdoors to his son Brian. Both were happiest in the wilderness of Oregon whether working, camping, fishing or hiking.
George is survived by his brother, Leo Kansky, his son Brian, daughter-in-law, Kathy, grandchildren, Jerry and Stephanie.
His loving wife, Helen, proceeded him in death in March of 2001 in Portland, Ore.
His “million dollar smile” and his gentle, loving spirit will be missed by all, but we know we‚Äôll see him again in heaven someday.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church at Sixth and Cascade streets in Langley.
We will be celebrating the life of a wonderful man and serving cake and beverages after the service.
For anyone wishing to make a contribution in George’s memory, the family suggests donations be made to the South Whidbey-Bayview Senior Center, Time Together Program, 14594 SR 525, Langley, WA.
