George Ralph Warhurst

Born on November 1st, 1951 in Webster, MA—George was the son of Ralph Warren Warhurst and Doris Irene Warhurst (Gilbert). George spent his early childhood years growing up with his “big sister,” Teri, and his many beloved cousins on both sides of the family, playing on the shores of “Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg” (Webster Lake)—a charming old Indian name he could proudly recite!

When George was a young adolescent, his family moved from Massachusetts to the lure of the San Francisco Bay Area, and Fremont, California. Here, George attended Washington High School, and was known to be an accomplished athlete—lettering in baseball and tennis. He graduated in 1969 and then joined the US Navy, where he proudly served our country in the Vietnam War. Following his service, he went on to pursue a career as a civilian in the Department of Defense as a Metal Tester for the Bremerton Naval Shipyard—a position he held for 30+ years until his retirement in 2006.

George met his wife, Cheryl Warhurst (Loop), while stationed in Bremerton back in 1974. According to Cheryl, he was quite irresistible in his “Navy Whites.” They married the same year, and made their home in Olalla, WA, where they have lived for 43 years. Here, they raised their two sons, Landon Scott Warhurst (44) and Shawn Corey Warhurst (R.I.P: 2020). George loved attending his son’s various sporting events—including softball, baseball, football, rugby, and wrestling matches. As his sons grew older, he also enjoyed golfing with them—and was known to have an occasional wicked, booming slice into the trees.

It was always said, in the Warhurst family, that George inherited his artistic genes from his Great Uncle, Warren Wheelock. An American Sculptor & Painter whose works are displayed in the Smithsonian and around the globe, Warren was Grammy Warhurst’s brother—and if you compare the smooth, graceful, intricate, and artful curves of George’s intargia pieces to Wheelock’s work—you can definitely see the similarities. George had a deep passion and animated excitement every time he set foot in his amazing woodshop. Here, he was in his element, and his great artistic gift and talent will live on in the many beautiful pieces he created for family and friends.

George was also known as a deeply sensitive, gentle soul. A big guy, with an equally big heart, most considered him to be a “big giant Teddy Bear.” Don’t get me wrong…he had a sharp sense of humor and was legendary for delivering one-liners that zapped you…and when it came to playing any kind of game, he was a fun-loving, trash-talking competitor…but at the “gooey center,” he was so genuinely caring and kind. One of my favorite stories about George was when he decided to raise Chinchilla’s for their lucrative pelts, invested in 20 of the little varmints, only to realize he couldn’t harm a hair on their furry little heads. He loved his animals to bits, including Brandex, Tiger, Cisco, and Angel.

George will be deeply missed by his surviving wife, Cheryl, son Landon, daughter-in-law’s Melissa Warhurst and Alicia Warhurst, younger sister (Tamara Vileta-Wells), adorable grandchildren, Sophia, Gunnar, and Eleanor Warhurst, and the many nieces and nephews on both the Warhurst and Loop sides of the family.

It is our greatest hope, that proceeded in death by Grampa & Grandma Warhurst, Grampa Loop, Auntie Teri & Uncle Dave, and Shawn, you are all together playing a rabble-rousing round of cribbage in the great blue sky.

Much endless love and peace to you. Your family.