George F. Harrison's Obituary
George passed away peacefully on July 27, 2010 at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. He was born on March 8, 1940 in Tacoma, and grew up in Fircrest, graduating from Stadium HS and University of Puget Sound (BA - Political Science 1965). He taught school in San Antonio, Texas for several years, then went into his eventual career as an insurance underwriter with jobs in Texas and California before retiring from the California State Compensation Insurance Fund. After retirement in 2003, he returned to his roots and has resided in Bellevue since then with his partner of 28 years, Tom Rupnow. In 2004 George was diagnosed with hereditary hemochromatosis, which eventually destroyed his liver. He received a liver transplant in February 2006, which gave him a healthy life until earlier this year. He lived those extra years with enthusiasm and enjoyment, even as side effects of the transplant slowed him down.
George was predeceased by his birth mother Frances Kukulan Harrison, who died giving him life, his father George F. Harrison, and his mother who raised him, Mary Thompson Harrison. George is survived by his partner Tom Rupnow of Bellevue, brother David (Bev) Harrison of Lakewood, sisters Katy Harrison (Wayne Brockman) of Richmond, California, and Eileen (Larry) Baker of Tacoma. Also survived by nieces Cheryl (Dave) Whitesell, Rebecca Brockman and Kathryn (Shane) Davis and nephew Mitch (Lisa) Baker, several great-nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and friends.
Always the comic and jokester, George had a great sense of humor. He loved to amuse both children and adults, and could usually calm nervous animals. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him. A celebration of George's life will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1001 Princeton Ave., Fircrest, on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 2:00p.m. The family suggests memorials to Pasado's Safe Haven, PO Box 171, Sultan WA 98294, ( pasadosafehaven.org ) or another animal welfare organization of your choice.
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