George Leo Doolittle Jr.

George Doolittle was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 6, 1938. He grew up in Albuquerque with his parents Rosalie & George Doolittle, Sr., brother James and sister Jeanette. He attended Colorado College briefly, followed by the University of New Mexico where he met his future wife, Elizabeth, graduating in 1961 as a member of Delta Sigma Pi in the College of Business Administration.

Following graduation George joined the New Mexico Air National Guard receiving his appointment in 1962 as a 2nd Lt. in the 150th Material Squadron. He continued his training first as an Inventory Management Specialist, then as an Administrative Officer. In 1965 he was transferred to the Air Force Reserves. George had a continued fascination with aviation that led him to become a licensed private pilot.

He married his wife, Elizabeth (known as “Mikie”) on June 4, 1960. They welcomed their first child, Fred, in 1962. In 1965 they moved from Albuquerque to Portland where they welcomed their second child, Andrea, in 1967.

George began his early career in banking and investment finance where he worked successfully for nearly two decades. In 1980, with an entrepreneurial desire to run his own business, he founded an awards and engraving business in Hillsboro that continues today.

With his family, George was actively involved in Mariner groups at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and Valley Community Presbyterian Church where they made lifelong friends. He was also involved in various charitable activities including the Rotary Club and Meals on Wheels. George was a member of the Multnomah Athletic Club for over 50 years, actively involved in the hiking group and sharing his love of the club with family and friends after enjoying a good workout.

George and Mikie loved to travel the world. Ranging from camping and car journeys in the American west, romantic picnics in the French countryside, to exotic destinations worldwide, they traveled extensively. They shared their love of travel with their children and later with their grandchildren. George loved to share stories and photographs of their travels.

An avid photographer, George had an array of cameras, each perfect for the unique opportunity. He has passed that passion along to his children, most notably his daughter, Andrea, an avid and accomplished photographer. He also enjoyed reading, especially history and action mystery. He was wonderful at giving a synopsis of a book, bringing the story to life, making you want to read it immediately.

George had a great love for antique automobiles and, in particular, pre-1960 British cars. He was actively involved in clubs and organizations that restored, maintained, and enjoyed these vehicles to keep their spirit alive. He and Mikie would often attend rallies of these wonderful old vehicles sharing the fun with fellow enthusiasts all over the country, even winning awards in the Forest Grove Concours D’Elegance.

After 60 years of marriage, during the summer of 2020, his wife, Mikie, lost a short battle with cancer. George is survived by his children, son Fred (Kari), daughter Andrea, and grandchildren Kelsey and Emlyn.

A Celebration of Life will be held for both George and Mikie on Saturday, January 21, 1:00pm at Valley Community Church, 8060 SW Brentwood St., Portland.

Donations can be made in George’s name to: the Sunshine Division https://sunshinedivision.org/donate/ or Valley Community Presbyterian Church http://www.valleycommunity.org/tithes--offerings/index.html

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Doolittle family.