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George Ishii Obituary
George Gunzo Ishii, 84, passed peacefully at home with his family on March 16th, 2013.
He is survived by his children, Roby (Debra), David, Leslie (Wesley) Ishii-Mann; Timothy (Susan), and Michael (Dennis); grandchildren, Jacob, Erin, George, William and Mineyo; great-grandson, Kenny; brother, William; sisters, Mary and Harriet; and many nieces and nephews.
One of seven children, he was raised by foster parents, John and Addie Dunn. Forced to evacuate during WWII he subsequently returned to Seattle, graduated from O'Dea High School and Seattle University, worked as a chemist for the Seattle Gas Company and toxicologist for the King County Coroner's Office before becoming Director of the fledgling Seattle Crime Laboratory. Under his leadership city and state crime labs were consolidated and he is recognized internationally as a pioneer in forensic criminology.
George had a devout religious and spiritual life working tirelessly, with his wife Marie, for the homeless and peace. He volunteered for over 25 years with St. Martin de Porres shelter, helped establish a feeding program for homeless people in the city of Kent and was an active member of Pax Christi. He is now joyfully re-united with his beloved wife of 53 years.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in George's name to: St. Martin de Porres Programs, 1561 Alaskan Way South, Seattle, WA 98134, and 206-323-6341.
Service: Saturday, March 23rd, 2013, 11:00 a.m., St. Philomena Parish in Des Moines, WA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Ishii
Chris Doran
April 4, 2013
From all of the Dorans, we are sorry for your loss, and we rejoice that George has found everlasting peace and rest.
Barbara Brennan Wu
March 23, 2013
Dear Ishii family:
I am so sorry for your loss of your dear father. Words really cannot convey all the things I am thinking but I guess foremost in my mind is what a good man you dad was and what a wonderful family he and your mom created. Losing Dad is hard, it is like losing you center.
God bless as you all, particularly during this difficult time.
love,
John Ishii
March 20, 2013
My Uncle George was a very special man as I get older and look back at my child hood, uncle George stands out the most. One of my fondest memories was when I was 9 years I was in Seattle on my way to Malaysia. George came to the hotel siren and lights ablaze in a Seattle Police Dept car to pick up my sister and I for a whole day tour of the the Seattle police dept's crime lab. As a small boy it was just over the top, I got my finger prints taken and a lie detector test to boot. George showed my murder evidence and the ballistics room. Wow I was hooked. Now I'm 56 and those memories are like yesterday. Thanks for the memories Uncle George God Speed "Quincy" would have never existed with out you.
Sarajane Rants
March 20, 2013
To the whole Ishii family!! All of you, and your mom and dad meant so much to Wally and I. I have a special place in my heart for your dad...Once he me encouraging words, "50 billion chinese don't even care"!! and I have never forgotten...They both will be missed.
Lee Ayers
March 20, 2013
Tim,
I'm sorry for your loss of both you dad and mom. What helpful and wonderful people they were!
March 20, 2013
sorry if this is a repeat. Now I have a bit of a clue as to how you turned out so beautifully.
Laurie Frink--much love coming your way
Dr. Robert L. Reedy
March 20, 2013
Only got to know Dr. Ishii a short time. However it was so immediately apparent what an exemplary man he was.Godspeed.
Boyce & Charlotte Clark
March 20, 2013
We wish to express our sorrow and extend our condolences to the IshII family for the loss of their father. It was my pleasure to have known George when we were classmates at O'Dea High School. In 1996 George was instrumental in putting together a 50th class Reunion held at the Meany Hotel in the University District.While we lost contact over the years I still consider him a friend and had a great deal of respect for him.He will be sorely missed by family and friends as well.Now in God's Hands, may he rest in peace.
March 20, 2013
George and I were in the same 8th grade class, at Lawton G.S., until they sent him away. He was the smartest kid in the school, and maybe the nicest.
Cliff Skelton
Mount Vernon
Jim & Twila Meyer
March 20, 2013
Our condolences to you all. He was a great man and we felt very fortunate to have gotten to know him over the years that he visited Texas and when we were able to see him in Seattle as well.
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