Michael Harold "Mike" George

Michael "Mike" H. George, a 28-year resident of Kettle Falls, WA passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2025. Mike was born on September 25, 1948 in Everett, WA the son of Frank Albert and Margaret Agnes (James) George.

Mike was raised in University Place, Washington, where he attended Curtis Junior High School and Curtis High School. He was a strong athlete and part of the Cross Country Team that won State in 1966. He was also on the basketball team. In 1967, Mike graduated and worked locally until his induction into the U.S. Army on Nov. 6, 1969. He served at Fort Sill in Oklahoma and then Fort Elmendorf in Anchorage, AK. On Sept. 10, 1971, Mike was honorably discharged and returned the Western Washington where he attended the Tacoma Community College and earned his AA. He continued his college education in Forestry at the University of Washington. On March 14, 1978, Mike married Michele "Shelly" Cassman in Lakewood, WA and together they resided in Belfair, WA where their son, Ben, was born. Mike worked in concrete construction and finishing and later for Simpson Timber in Timber Lakes. While in Timber Lakes, they welcome their daughter, Erika. He worked as a reserve officer for the city of Elma, which sparked his interest in law enforcement. Mike then attended the corrections academy and began working in the Shelton Corrections facility. In 1988, their family relocated to Eastern Washington where Mike worked as an officer for the Chewelah Police Department. Two years later he transferred to Ferry County as a Deputy Sheriff. He accepted the role as undersheriff and served in that capacity until 1997. Mike moved to Kettle Falls worked as Captain for several years. He retired in 2013 from the Stevens County Sheriff's office after nearly 30 years in law enforcement. Mike maintained a special law enforcement commission where he continued working several cold case homicides until his passing. Throughout his retirement, Mike offered his heart to families in need by supporting and working alongside the Danekas family and staff of the Danekas Funeral Chapel & Crematory.

Mike enjoyed fishing for Steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula rivers when he could get time away and driving golf balls down the greens on the local golf courses. When he wasn't on the greens, he would often have the Golf Channel on in the home. He was quite practiced at raising his voice in "encouragement" while offering guidance to his favorite sports teams from the comfort of his armchair/couch. His camping trips were always memorable as were the many Apple Cup adventures and trips to watch the Mariners. He was a lover of animals, but especially dogs. You would be hard pressed to see him out without his black lab by his side. Mike expected things to be done well and was direct with his honesty and strong in his opinion. His gruff exterior was transparent to his family and friends. What shined through was sense of humor, compassion, grumbling kindness and willingness to offer help whenever a need arose. The words he offered told the story but what he didn't say taught the lesson. He loved his family and cherished his friendships, granting nicknames that made you grin along with him. Mike believed in ethics, honesty and respect and never waivered in his defense and support of these principles. As a husband, he was a best friend, as a father he was steadfast and a foundation for life, and as a friend, he was true.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret; and his sister, Sherrill.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Michele "Shelly" George and his dog Bart, at the home; son, Benjamin George (Jennifer) of Spanaway and grandchildren Tristan and Aubrey; daughter, Erika George (Sam Doyon) of Loon Lake with a grandchild on the way; twin brother, Mark George (Margaret) of University Place; brother, Paul George of Bonney Lake; nephew Robert George (Chanly) of University Place and great nephew, Cody George; several "bonus" grandchildren including Makayla and a host of extended family and friends.

Mike was a member of the Stevens County Republicans and a former precinct committee officer.

A graveside service for Mr. Michael "Mike" H. George will begin at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, September 18th at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville, WA. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com