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George Briggs Obituary
George Briggs passed away peacefully July 16, 2016 in his apartment at Park Shore, joining Beth, his soulmate and wife of 65 years, in the great beyond. Beth and George raised two sons, Garrett and Geoff, who both live in Seattle with their families-a lovely daughter-in-law Clare; three beautiful grandchildren, Coyle, Holly and Gabriel; and Coyle's new bride Tessa. George was preceded in death by his sister Loree Stafford, and is survived by sister Barbara Pratt of Walnut Creek, California.
George was born in 1925 in Santa Monica California to Elizabeth and George Coyle Briggs Sr. The family moved to Seattle in 1940 where George graduated from Roosevelt HS. From there he attended the UW, transferring to UC Berkley where George was student body president and member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. It was there that George met the love of his life, Beth Doerr of Oakland. They married in 1948 and were together until her death in 2013.
After college George took a job with the UC Berkley athletic department, rising to the post of Assistant AD. In 1950 George was called up for duty in Korea where he spent two years in the Marines. After the war he returned to Cal, and then in 1955 moved back to Seattle to become the Athletic Director at the University of Washington. In his five years at the UW George created the Tyee Club, hired football coaches Darrell Royal and Jim Owens, saw the team win two Rose Bowls and a National Championship, and sent the famous UW Crew to both Henley and Moscow.
In 1961 George left the UW to begin a long and prosperous banking career, first at UCB in Los Angeles, and then in Seattle at Seattle First National, Fidelity Mutual, and First Interstate. George was active in many clubs and organizations-Washington Athletic Club (past president), 101 Club (past president), Museum of Flight (chairman emeritus), PONCHO (past president), Broadmoor Golf Club, Seattle Tennis Club.
The last few years have been a struggle for George as he dealt with deteriorating health and limited mobility but he remained a delight to be with. George died as he had lived, in complete control, his mind keen, his thoughts clear. There is a big empty chair at the family table and a steady voice that is now but an echo, but we find peace in the thought of George and Beth together again.
Per his wishes there will be no memorial but the family will host a happy remembrance at Broadmoor Golf Club on Tuesday, August 16th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Briggs
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4 Entries
Milo Lude
July 21, 2019
On the third anniversary of the death of my very special friend, George Briggs, I wish to repeat how much wisdom ,history and tradition I was the recipient from George when I arrived in March of 1976 as the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Washington. You see George had been in the same job previously and he guided me through my transition. A career that lasted 15 and one half years. I am so grateful to George. Mike Lude
August 8, 2016
Working with George on the Museum of Flight, I remember him as an elegant man, handsome, smart, articulate. He had unusual leadership skills with gracious manners and a sense of humor. He did a lot for the institution in those early, formative days. George Briggs was special.
Howard Lovering
Mike Lude
July 30, 2016
It greatly saddens me to learn of the death of my friend and mentor. When I arrived at the University of Washington in the early spring of 1976 to become the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics George was one of the first to welcome me. He quickly became my confidant and source of extensive help and was always available to assist me in a variety of ways. Beth was very helpful and friendly to my wife Rena. They just do not make many men like George. Our sympathy to the entire family. Mike Lude
Munro Family
July 28, 2016
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family for your great loss of George. Even when our loved ones seem to have lived a good full life, our time with them always seems to be cut short of our hearts desire. One thing that has helped comfort me is God's personal interest mentioned at Psalm 147:3, it says He heals the brokenhearted, He binds up their wounds. May God's personal care for you bring you solace and warmly embrace you in this time of deep sorrow! With heartfelt condolences!
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