George was born in 1925 to Kinhichi and Hisano Migaki in Troy, MT. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, WA , and a few years later served in the U.S. Army during WWII. After the war, he attended Gonzaga University, and then earned his DVM degree from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1952. While at WSU, he met Riyoko Hayashi, and they wed shortly after he graduated. Their marriage spanned over 69 years.
After several years of private practice in Montana and Washington, George became a federal meat inspector in Portland, OR, and later a pathologist for the USDA Meat Inspection Laboratory in Beltsville, MD. He was a nominee for Outstanding Young Scientist from the Maryland Academy of Sciences in 1959, and in 1962 he became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists. From 1968-1991, he was the Chief Pathologist for the Registry of Comparative Pathology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. During his time there, he established and edited the Comparative Pathology Bulletin, and authored/edited numerous books and peer-reviewed journal articles. He also contributed to the publication and presentation of numerous symposia and developed many scientific exhibits on timely topics of comparative pathology. George was awarded WSU’s Alumni Achievement Award in 1968 for “international recognition and achievement in the field of veterinary and comparative pathology, and dedication to his profession”; and its Distinguished Veterinary Alumnus Award in 1993 for “veterinary excellence in practice or teaching and research”.
George was a dedicated runner well into his 50’s and competed in numerous 10K races. He had a strong passion for gardening and became a Yamhill County Master Gardener after retiring to Newberg, OR. He spent many hours as a volunteer for the master gardener program and received the Diamond Pioneer Award from Oregon State University in 2008 for his “lifetime contributions toward the development of Oregon’s agricultural and natural resources.” Nothing made him and Riyo happier than tending to their large garden together and sharing their bountiful harvest with neighbors, friends, and the local food bank. His camera skills and lifelong enthusiasm for photography documented many important and happy events. George had a deep interest in the life and works of the Western artist, Charles Russell, and he was keenly intrigued by George Custer and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. From the age of 9, he was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and to this day could recite the starting lineup of the 1934 “Gashouse Gang” who won the World Series. He was also a diehard fan of the Washington Redskins and was a season ticket holder for over 25 years. His greatest joy however, was simply spending time with his family. All 4 of his granddaughters have many fond memories of when he and Riyo traveled all over the country to support them at their tennis and volleyball tournaments. George was not afraid of bragging about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen.
George is survived by his devoted wife, Riyoko, of Phoenix, AZ; daughters: Barbara McGaffigan, Davenport, IA; Karen Ong, Phoenix, AZ, whose special care ensured their Dad’s final years were comfortable and happy; granddaughters: Jennifer (Damon) Green, Kathleen (Tyler) Pagel, Laura (Bobak) Madison, Christine (Maximilian) Cruz; great-grandchildren: Brady, Carter, Mia, Kaylee, Keaton, Missy, Tessa; brother-in-law: Maxie (RoseAnne) Hayashi; and many nieces and nephews. He had a close and special relationship with each of his sons-in-law, Bill McGaffigan and Jerry Ong.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: James Migaki and Thomas Migaki; and infant great-granddaughter, Lily Riyo.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dr. George Migaki Veterinary Pathology Graduate Fellowship. WSU Foundation, Attn: Gift Planning, Migaki Fellowship GF006515, PO Box 641925, Pullman, WA 99164-1925.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Hospice of the Valley and the staff at Best Care Home of Moon Valley for their wonderful care of George.
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