George Warren RABEY

1935 - 2024

George Warren Rabey (89) left us to be with God on December 26, 2024. He was born January 13, 1935, to George and Irene Rabey in Rochester, Minnesota. George grew up in Alcester, South Dakota where he graduated from Alcester High in 1953. He attended Luther College in Wahoo, Nebraska and was active in drama and track.

George's love for God and Country led him to enlist in the Air Force in 1955. After basic, he was stationed at Stead AFB, Reno, Nevada, where he would meet his future bride, Veronica. George's passion for teaching survival skills led him to become a Survival Instructor. His career would take him on many exciting and sometimes dangerous adventures, both across the nation and overseas. In 1985, he retired at the rank of SMSGT from his final post as Superintendent of the Survival School at Fairchild AFB, Spokane, Washington. He continued work as a security guard at the Safeway Distribution Center and attended Eastern Washington University. George was an avid reader of history. His artistic talent was on full display in his exquisitely decorated eggshells.

George was held in high esteem by his fellow servicemen for his integrity and his genuine concern for troop welfare. His sense of humor and infectious personality endeared him to many.

George is preceded in death by his wife Veronica, and survived by his children Gerlinde Major (Bill), Cynthia Rabey (Mario Candia), Tim Rabey (Laura) and Stephanie Hudson (Chris), as well as two grandchildren - Michelle and Sara Major. He had two brothers, John and Bill, and is survived by his sisters Zelda, Kea'au Hawaii and Kris, Pine Grove California.

Thank you to all of his Spokane Valley neighbors and the staff at the Spokane Veterans Home. There will be a memorial service held in the Columbarium of St. John's Cathedral (his place of worship since 1980) Saturday March 29th at 10:30AM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his favorite charity: The Union Gospel Mission. To leave an online condolence to George's family, please visit our website at www.HennesseyOnDivision.com.