MR ING HAS DIED

May 26, 2005

Gary Kelley told me that Mr. Ing died at his home in Hood River. Yes, it's true. I checked the story at the News Register. He died on Wednesday, May 11, 2005. He was just 69. I'm not sure of the cause of death.

As everyone knows, he was our grade school teacher, home room teacher, high school teacher and coach, and so much more. He was our teacher, but in so many ways, probably because he wasn't much older that the rest of us, he seemed, well, amost like a fellow student. He sure loves to attend our class Reunions.

George Ing was a succesful man because he was loved and respected. Even though he didn't quite reach 70, he lived a full, wonderful life.

I found out that he attended Gaston schools, where he was active in drama, athletics and student government, then went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Pacific University in 1957.

He taught at Yamhill Elementary School from 1957 to 1960 and taught and coached at Yamhill-Carlton High School from 1960 to 1962.

He managed Mount Adams Orchards in White Salmon, Wash., from 1962 to 1991. He began buying orchard land in 1955 and made additional purchases over the years in Yamhill, Washington and Hood River counties. He was active in pear and apple trade organizations.

He wrote for Good Fruit Grower magazine from 1983 until his death. He also wrote, "Wending The Way From Wapato Gap," a book published in 2003. He spoke on horticultural issues in Canada, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in addition to points across the United States.

He twice won Silver Pear awards as Washington's fruit grower of the year and once won the Northwest Cherry King title. He was awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the Washington State Horticultural Association and named Alumnus of the Year by Pacific University.

He enjoyed travel, carpentry, photography and history. He collected antique automobiles.

In addition to his wife, Muriel, he is survived by two sons, Ed of Hood River and Kenneth of West Linn; a daughter, Kathy Keerbs of Brush Prairie, Wash.; a sister, Susanne Nordquist of Portland; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, May 17, in the Hood River Alliance Church. Concluding services and interment were held in the Cornelius Methodist Cemetery in Cornelius.

Mr Ing. It won't be the same without you. Doesn't seem like too long ago I was sitting in eight grade home room, journalism or was it English class? Anyway, he was talking about Hemingway, a twinkle in his eye, a near smile on his lips as you were probably plotting the next quiz. I'll never forget that half smile of confidence he wore like a shirt.

Mr Ing always had a story to tell. And my god, could he tell 'em! And I forgive him for ignoring some of us in favor of the star athletes. Some of the girls may have a harder time, a groan escaping now and again when he'd go on and on about some game. But yes, we forgive him. He was so animated. Wish I could give him a big hug now and thank him for showing us all that enthusiasm. It was his nature.He could have starred as the coach in "That Championship Season". He respected and admired physical perfection. I wish I had been able to be on that side, even though I did manage to earn my sports letter in baseball, I and others never really had his full attention. He was always so busy with such a full life.

I hope Muriel is doing okay. It was so obvious she loved George every day of their wonderful life together. We all wished he had a few more years to spend with us.

- Jim Maxey