George Walter Huntingford, 79, of Chimacum, Washington, passed away on Aug. 16, 2022, in his home, surrounded by his family, in Center, Washington.
George was born on Oct. 24, 1942 to George Harry Huntingford and Sarah “Sally” Louise Doub in Port Townsend, Washington. George was the eldest of five siblings; Francine Gunn, Judith Baum, Daniel Huntingford, Harriet Lynch, and Howard Huntingford.
George graduated from Chimacum High School in 1961. In October 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Kay Vladeff. They had been married for 60 years. George and Sharon moved to the family farm where he helped his father operate the dairy. In 2009, young George called the farm, the Gee Gem, after his gem of a wife, Sharon. The Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation listed the barn on the Heritage Barn Register.
Other areas that George dedicated his strong work ethics to were 46 years of service as a cooperative observer for the National Weather Service Department of Commerce, measuring the daily precipitation for the Department of Commerce. He was a member of the Dairyman’s Association for 55 years and of the Grange for 59. He was also named the Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1966.
In addition to his dedication to work on the farm, George was an avid reader of multiple genres. He especially enjoyed reading historical novels, The Capital Press, and books written by local authors. George supported the Huntingford Humanities Lectures in full attendance with family and siblings and was proud of the yearly lecture dedicated to his mother Sally. Although George and Sharon were voted the shyest of the cCass of 1961, George outgrew his timidity and really enjoyed sharing stories with old friends and neighbors. He befriended newcomers to the valley and willingly helped those who were in need. In fact, he and Sharon were foster parents for many years, opening their home and hearts to babies, toddlers, and teenagers.
George and Sharon had four lovely children; George Walter Junior “Wally” (Crystin Stingle), Jonathan, Margaret Louise (Gustavo Ferreira Vianna), and Marybeth (Dave Giles). George has six grandchildren; Kelsey and Tanner Huntingford and Lynsie Stingle, Nolan and Dylan Vianna, and Makayla Giles. George has many lovely nieces, nephews, and cousins who were dear to him. He was preceded in death by his son Jonathan; his parents George and Sally; and his brother Daniel.
The family would like to thank those who supported and cared for George: Dr. Carlson from Port Townsend; the dedicated staff at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale; Elise, Rachel, and staff from Jefferson Healthcare Home Health, and the East Jefferson Paramedics at the Chimacum Fire Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of George to the Scholarship Program at the Big Blue Boosters of Chimacum (bbbchimacum.com) or to the Foster Supports of Jefferson County (https://www.fostersupportsofjeffersoncounty.org/).
The family invites you to come and celebrate George’s life and share stories at a Celebration of Life ceremony held at the Irondale Church at 681 Irondale Road, beginning at noon Saturday, Sept. 10.
