George was born on April 26, 1943, in Tacoma, WA, to Gilbert and Marian (McKay) Arland while they were working in the Puget Sound Shipyards during World War II. Following the end of the war, the family returned to Whitman County, settling in the city of Palouse. He grew up there and graduated from Palouse High School in 1961. He then spent two years in construction in Pullman and made many trips to Potlatch, Idaho to see Marilyn Wilcox. They were married in 1964. Kelly was born in 1966 and in 1969 Glenn joined them to complete the family.
Also in 1964 George began a 42 year career with The McGregor Company. He quickly advanced from painting tanks and servicing customers to plant manager in 1968. During his tenure in Palouse he was deeply involved in building a new facility that was one of the most modern in the Pacific Northwest.
George was also passionate about serving his community. While living in Palouse he served as Assistant Fire Chief, Fire Chief, city council member, Charter member of the Palouse Lions Club, clock operator for school football and basketball games, helping with Boy Scout activities and countless others. He was instrumental in developing the Palouse Emergency Medical Unit, spending many hours studying and receiving his own EMT certification in 1981. He served as chairman of that unit for 14 years.
In December, 1994 George became manager of the McGregor plant in Davenport and in 1995 the Arlands became Davenport residents. It quickly became a community that he loved and called home. He resumed his service to farm families and the community. He considered his customers some of his closest friends in both the Whitman and Lincoln county areas. He retired from The McGregor Company in 2006.
While in Davenport he served on the Lincoln County Parks & Recreation Board #4. During that time the remodel of Memorial Hall and the Davenport Water Park were completed. These were projects dear to his heart. He transferred his Lions membership to the Davenport Club where he again enjoyed the comradery and service to the community. He was a Lions member for almost 60 continuous years.
Although George’s passion for community service was great, his love for his family was greater. He was deeply involved with his children’s activities and interests and instilled in them the importance of hard work and caring for others. There were many family times that included camping, boating, snowmobiling, fishing and enjoying time together. He was proud that he and Marilyn were able to provide both their children with the opportunity to receive their college degrees. Once the empty nest season arrived they enjoyed more time with fishing, golfing and spent 13 years as snowbirds in Arizona.
George is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Marilyn, daughter Kelly Carrick, son Glenn Arland (Denise), grandchildren Nathan Carrick, Amanda Young (Michael), Kyra Bodeau (Kyle), Hailey Clark (Joshua), great grandchildren Annie Bodeau, Wesley Young and Baby Bodeau expected in December. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kay Leonard, and son-in-law John Carrick.
Graveside service will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Palouse, WA. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Strate Funeral Home in Davenport, WA. Friends and family are welcome to join the family at either service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lincoln Hospital Foundation, 10 Nicholls St, Davenport, WA 99122 or Palouse Lions Club (Food Cart Fund) PO Box 68, Palouse, WA 99161.
