George Edwin Sowl, 90

George Edwin Sowl was born March 8, 1919, in Spokane, and left this earth to be with the Lord, our Savior on Dec. 3, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Lena Sowl; his wife, Helen; sisters, Marion Hinton and Lucile Ferkovich; daughter, Christine Pajnich; grandson, Ronnie Richter; and great-grandson, Killian. George is survived by children, Ed Sowl of Columbia Falls, Allyson Morris, Vicki Osburn and Jeanne Sowl-Navarro, of Spokane; and son-in-law, Louis Pajnich, of Columbia Heights. Other immediate family members include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Michael Sowl, wife Tina, Kiernan and Gabriella; Spencer Sowl, wife Lori, Khristina, Jessica and Chelse; Melissa Richter-Lablonc and Riley; Timothy England; Sonya Danials, Michael and Carrisa; Delina Smith, Scott, Kyle and Shelby; Kandy Remsik and Eduardo; Amber Garcia, Mike Gewalt, and Alysia; Erica Bibb and Nick Jensen. George served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, earning the Asiatic Pacific and American Campaign Medals along with the World War II Victory medal. He did his formal training at Farragut Idaho Training Center, Camp Ward. He served aboard the USS Lake (DE 301) and USS Housatonic (AO 35), where he and the rest of the crew were along side USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered. He received miniature flags of the U.S. and Japan during that historical moment. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 13, 1946. George worked for Washington Machinery and Foundry, Travis Foundry, Black Brothers Foundry, Spokane Steele Foundry, Western Light Metals, and at one time was in partnership with Spokane Brass and Steel. In 1955 he was employed by Anaconda Aluminum and moved to Columbia Falls. This is where George and Helen lived and raised their family until his retirement in 1973. In 1975 they moved to Boulder City, Nev., where Helen had transferred with the National Park Service. After her retirement they traveled around the U.S. by motor home, soon settling back in Spokane, with a winter home in Yuma, Ariz. George loved playing guitar and singing together with Helen and other friends or family who wished to join in! He also enjoyed outdoor activities, traveling, spending time with family and friends and, of course, being a fabulous father. The entire family would like to thank the following centers and staff who cared for George at his time of need: Manor Care Rehab Center, and Willow Grove Assisted Living and Hospice. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at Heritage Funeral Home in Spokane.