George Boudet

REV. GEORGE BOUDET George Richard Boudet passed away peacefully at his home in Port Angeles, WA, on Aug. 17, 2005, from cancer. Born Jan. 25, 1945, to Robert Henry Boudet and Mary Alice (Stout) Boudet, he grew up in Murphysboro, IL. He accepted the Lord at an early age after a traveling evangelist came to town. He graduated from Murphysboro High in 1963 and started college the next year, studying architecture and interior design. Before he could complete his degree, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. There he met and married the love of his life, Donna Lee Eichenlaub, on July 17, 1970. They began their life adventure together and soon moved to Seattle and began their family with the addition of two wonderful sons. George started as an apprentice at the Frederick & Nelson department store. He eventually went to the University of Washington and received his degree in 1973. At the Bon Marche store in downtown Seattle, he managed the visual merchandising department, creating window displays and interior designs until 1986. He and his wife also enjoyed home remodeling and improved six homes in the Northwest. In the late 1980s, he felt the Lord told him to "speak to people about what they really needed." This meant quitting his secure job and going to Fuller Seminary at age 40. He never regretted it or looked back. He earned his Masters of Divinity in 1989 and began pastoral work in 1990 in Gig Harbor, WA, at Peninsula Baptist Church. In 2001, he became pastor at First Baptist Church in Port Angeles, WA. He brought to the ministry his love and passion for worship, prayer and the visual arts. He had a way of seeing the very best potential of each person he encountered and encouraged them to deepen their faith journey. He loved to laugh. Mostly he loved the Lord. George was State President of the Baptist Youth Fellowship in high school, president of the Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches of the Northwest and president of the Camp Burton (Vashon Island) board. Survivors include his wife, Donna, of Port Angeles, son Richard of Gig Harbor, and son Brian, wife Michelle and precious new grandson Gavin of Tacoma. Also in Port Angeles are Carol and Bill Peterson and family. In southern Illinois are his mother, Mary, brother Al and wife Trish, and brother Bill. His father Robert Boudet preceded him in death in 2003. A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Port Angeles on Aug. 25, 2005 at 1 p.m. A lunch reception follows. Longtime friend the Rev. David Shimeall Jr. will preside. Memorials can be made to the Camp Burton Retreat Project, 9326 SW Bayview Drive, Vashon, WA 98070-7024.