George Ervin Rowswell

The family moved to Centralia, Washington and he spent much of his early life there as a student, successful athlete, and coach. He was a very proud WSC Cougar, graduating in 1940 after playing football for 4 years.

George taught and coached in several schools in Washington until settling in Lacey in 1955 as the football coach, track coach and P.E. teacher at the new North Thurston High School. He served as North Thurston School District Athletic Director until his retirement. He continued coaching shot put and discus at North Thurston well into his nineties. His greatest joy was working with young people to help them fulfill their potential.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 6o years, Maxine. He is survived by his children: Susan Massini (Jerry), Michael Rowswell (Nancy) and Deborah Liming (David); seven grandchildren: Julia Havens, Jeff Moore, Steven Rowswell, Sam Rowswell, Thomas Rowswell, Andrew Liming and Elizabeth Liming and 14 great grandchildren, all of whom he loved and enjoyed.

George was inducted into the Washington State and the National Track Coaches Halls of Fame. In his speech in Washington D.C. he said that although he had had many state champions, his greatest achievement was having former athletes tell him that his guidance was instrumental to their success in life. George maintained an interest in sports always and last summer once again won the gold medal for shot put at the Senior Games.

In his later years George focused on helping others. He collected blankets and clothing for the homeless, lifted the spirits of the “older folks” where he lived and worked out daily to keep up his strength so that he could do his weekly garage sale shopping for small gifts to give to others.

A special thank you to the staff of Manor Care for their kindness and care for George and to those who visited, took dad to breakfast and to garage sales and had him to their homes for dinner and companionship.

A celebration of life will be held January 5 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Olympia at 904 Washington Street where George was a member for 63 years.