GEORGE G. RYFFEL
Col. USMC (Ret.)
George G. Ryffel, 92, died on July 30, 2012. He is survived by his three children, Carolyn Ryffel, Kathy Navascues (Julio) and George Ryffel (Laurie); his two grandchildren, Julio and Ana Navascues. He is also survived by his brothers, James and Robert; and sisters, Alma and Mary.
Col. Ryffel was born in Minnesota, and grew up in Belt, Montana. He graduated from the University of Montana in1941 and quickly enlisted in the Marine Corps during
WWII and served shipboard on the USS Salt Lake City in the Pacific theatre. In June 1942 he married Ruth Hugos and was dedicated husband until her death in 2010. He retired from the corps after 27 years as a Colonel. He was a long-term supporter of the Arlington YMCA, Kennedy Center, and community projects in his Montana hometown. An avid hunter and fisherman, he thrived on competition, continuing from college where he held long-standing records in shot-put and wrestling
In retirement, he and Ruth enjoyed running their businesses, concerts, and spending time in their home state of Montana. Remaining active in his retirement years, he won gold medals in Senior Olympics (winning a gold medal in 2005 basketball, at age 85, and Masters Game Gold in Hammer and Weight Toss).
A memorial service will be held at Arlington Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd. on Monday, August 6. The family will receive guests at 3 p.m. and the service will begin at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the
.
