George Drysdale Tomlinson

George was born in Hazelton, B.C. to pioneer missionaries, Robert and Roxie Tomlinson. His childhood was spent surrounded by the majestic mountains and waterways of Northern BC and Southeast Alaska which instilled in him a love of the outdoors and the natural world that stayed with him his entire life. George often recollected stories of going to Indian School and working in the cannery in Metlakatla, AK. He enjoyed taking his Davis row boat to neighboring islands to fish and hunt. In 1938 the family moved to nearby Ketchikan where he attended Ketchikan High School and helped his father build the family home that is still standing today.

During WWII he served in the Aleutian Islands with the 11th US Army Air Force - Tenth Rescue Boat Squadron. In 1950 he graduated from Washington State College with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. George became a successful consulting engineer in the Seattle area, eventually becoming President and CEO of Valentine, Fisher, and Tomlinson (later Coffman/VFT). Notable projects include the Seattle First National Bank Building, Seattle Center International Fountain and Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

George met Rita McGillvray in July of 1948 and knew immediately that she was the one. They were married in December and their bonds of love and shared interests were continuous for 49 years. Together they raised three children, built two homes, and were blessed with five grandchildren. George found love a second time marrying Rita’s cousin, Joann Baca, in January 2000. They traveled and enjoyed new and old friendships, living life to the fullest until she passed away in 2006. Dad was committed to both Rita and Joann, and his life was enriched by their love, support and companionship

Integrating family and friends into his pursuits was always important to him. Whether it was a fishing trip to Neah Bay, Tuloon Lake or the Bulkley River; golfing at Sand Point or Lynnwood; or working on his many projects; he always appreciated sharing the moment with others.

In his retirement he continued to set goals to achieve and embarked on many special journeys. One of his biggest accomplishments was writing and publishing the book “Challenge the Wilderness,” which recounts his family’s history as medical missionaries from 1867 to the late 1930’s. In 1998 George navigated, by himself, his 19-ft boat from Whidbey Island, WA to Ketchikan, AK following much the same route his grandparents took in a dugout canoe 130 years earlier.

George’s legacy is in the values he passed down to his children, grandchildren and others touched by his life. He valued integrity and the bonds of family and friends above all else. Fortunately, Dad was blessed with good health and an independent spirit which allowed him to “make tracks” for 89 plus years. We will deeply miss him but the lessons he taught are engraved on our hearts. Your journey continues, Dad!

George leaves behind a family who will be forever grateful for the example he set: Daughter Susan Durbin (Steve); sons Robert and Scott (Janine) Tomlinson; grandchildren Brett Durbin (Kara), Scott Durbin (Rebecca), Mason Tomlinson, Warren Tomlinson, and Sandra Tomlinson; and great-grandsons Connor Durbin and Lochlan Durbin.

A memorial service celebrating George's life will be held at Haller Lake United Methodist Church 13055 1st Ave NE, Seattle 98125 at 11:30 AM Saturday, May 17. Remembrances may be made to the Union Gospel Mission, Haller Lake Methodist Church, Salvation Army or Seattle Providence Hospice. Please sign the guestbook at acaciafuneralhome.com.