Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George Sundborg Obituary
George W. Sundborg
Our dad, George Walter Sundborg, a lifelong journalist, prepared his own obituary with instructions to "update with any interesting circumstances, e.g., died in plane crash in Arizona." He died in bed at age 95, so we have space to note he was a booster and statesman much honored in Alaska. The University of Alaska awarded him an honorary doctorate for years of fighting for statehood, and helping to write the Alaska State Constitution. In his honor, Alaska flags throughout the state will fly at half-staff for a day. Alaska has no law school, so he and Mom endowed scholarships for students from Alaska at Seattle University's School of Law.
Here's what Dad wrote about himself: "Born in San Francisco March 25, 1913; died in Seattle Feb. 7, 2009. Predeceased by wife of 68 years Mary Frances Baker in 2006, and by granddaughter Lynn in 2007. Survived by sons Pierre (wife Jean), Seattle; George Jr. (Lisa), Fairbanks; Rev. Stephen, S.J., Seattle; daughters Dr. Rosemary Hunter (Eugene McGuire), Albuquerque; Dr. Sarah Long (Dr. William), Gladwyne, Pa.; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
"Moved to Seattle 1923. Eagle Scout, assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 65, Seattle. Attended Coe School, graduated from Queen Anne High School 1929, University of Washington 1934. Reporter, city editor, Grays Harbor Daily Washingtonian, Hoquiam; reporter, Daily Alaska Empire, Juneau; editor, Juneau Independent; editor, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. Worked during World War II for Executive Office of President and Department of State. General manager, Alaska Development Board, executive assistant to Territorial Governor, elected to Alaska Constitutional Convention, administrative assistant to U.S. Sen. Ernest Gruening (D-Alaska), assistant to director of U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. Founder, Alaska Visitors Association, founder and first president, Alaska State Society, Washington, D.C. Awarded Department of Interior commendation for assistance in transferring Fort Lawton land to City of Seattle to form Discovery Park. Longtime volunteer at Children's Orthopedic Hospital, Blessed Sacrament feed-in and food bank, St. Francis House, and President of the Magnolia Bluffers. Author of "Opportunity in Alaska" and "Hail Columbia."
Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, Feb. 14, at
8 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 3218 W. Barrett St. Dad will be buried beside Mom at Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen. For their loving care during his last years, months and days, respectively, the family thanks Merrill Gardens at Queen Anne, With a Little Help, and Swedish Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Sundborg
Jeannine Blue Lupton
February 19, 2009
George was a class act. I got to know him after he retired from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. I was on some fishing trips to Westport, Wash., with several others and George joined us. He was very supportive when I caught the first salmon and the biggest fish of that day!
A true gentleman. He and Mary did much work on behalf of others, including volunteering time and talent for the free meals served at Blessed Sacrament Church.
The world has lost a great man.
Ted W. Tisdale
February 14, 2009
I
would like to express my sincere condolences to the entire Sundborg
family at this time. Alaska has lost a great man who contributed much
to this country.
I and my folks had the pleasure of knowing George and his family for
many years as they were our next door neighbors in Juneau for some
years and some of their children went to school with me as I grew up.
When my wife and I became engaged we stopped by there house in
Fairbanks that night to tell them about it, nothing would do but George
had to break out a bottle of champagne and we all drank a toast. Later
when we were married the family attended our wedding and reception. Since George
and his wife have been gone many years from Fairbanks I have only had
the pleasure of seeing him and some of his family at the Juneau,
Douglas picnic which is held in Seattle yearly and I attend from time
to time always an enjoyable time and visit with them. I will miss him
but he leaves a lot of respect and good memories in my mind. Ted W.
Tisdale
Hailey Sundborg
February 13, 2009
You'll be greatly missed great grandpa. It was amazing to see you and great grandma together at her 100th birthday celebration. I'll see you again someday <3
Sandy Buhite
February 13, 2009
My sympathy is sent to all family and friends. May your fond memories of Mr. Sundborg aid you in your sorrow.
Mary Bartholet
February 13, 2009
Several years ago I had the privilege of sitting beside Mr. Sundborg at a luncheon at Seattle U. We enjoyed a fascinating conversation as we exchanged some of our life experiences. The few times we saw each other after that, he always greeted me with a warm welcoming smile. He was such an extraordinary individual that I will always treasure the memory of knowing him briefly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.
Kate Ripley
February 12, 2009
To George Jr., Lisa and the entire Sundborg family:
Please accept condolences from so many of us here at the University of Alaska. I felt very fortunate to have met your dad. Our very best wishes during this difficult time.
UAF Alumni Association Joe Hayes, Exec.Dir.
February 12, 2009
Our condolences for the
loss of your loved one.
We wish you peace and acceptance
during this difficult time.
Jody
February 12, 2009
How fortunate the state of Alaska was to have George. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Sid Malbon
February 11, 2009
Having worked with George during his tenure at the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, I was privileged to meet a real gentleman - and I will not foreget him. The trips to Alaska with him are most memorable.
The LaCugna Family
February 11, 2009
Dear Sundborg Family:
What an amazing family and father. We read of your father's exemplary life and the outstanding family he and your mother created. How blessed and rich your lives are because of them. We send our sympathy and our respect to you and pray that you have a lifetime of memories to feed you all.
Kim Turner
February 11, 2009
My deepest sympathy to George's family. He would have known my uncle, Julius Ferney, when he worked for the Juneau Alaska Daily Empire in the 1950's. If he played golf, they would have been among the group of movers and shakers who helped make Alaska a state. He is clearly among the "Notable Queen Anners." If he attended any of the Queen Anne High School Alumni events during the last ten years, then we probably met more than once. He will definitely be missed. The other members of the board of trustees of the Queen Anne High School Alumni Association also send their condolences. Kim R. Turner, President, QAHSAA
Suzanne Fleming
February 10, 2009
I will remember George for his great love of family, and his lively interest in the world around him.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in George Sundborg's name
Memorial Events
for George Sundborg
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor George Sundborg's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
