George Michael Sudar

Obituary George Michael Sudar, Sr. 1920 ~ 2008 On February 7, 2008, George M. Sudar, Sr., proud member of the Greatest Generation, peacefully passed away at his home of over 60 years with his beloved wife, Eva, and family at his side. Born in the mining town of Bear Creek, Montana, to Jacob and Rose (Naglich) Sudar, George traveled to Washington State at the age of 6 months, part of a pioneering clan of Croatians who bought and farmed a section of land in Stella, near Longview. Growing up during the Great Depression, he learned early to work hard, to be inventive with what was at hand, and to relish a good meal at the end of the day. He graduated from R.A. Long High School, the first of his extended family on "The Hill" to earn a diploma and worked first for DB Horton's Grocery and then Long Bell Lumber Co. until August 1941, when he volunteered to join the Army Air Corps. George became a highly skilled mechanic and propeller specialist, based on both his inherent mechanical ability and specialized training at air bases throughout the country. He served in the Pacific Theater, arriving on Iwo Jima in June 1945. After the war, he continued his career in Civil Service for nearly 4 more decades, retiring from McChord Air Force Base as Chief of Logistics, years that gave him much professional satisfaction and created friendships which continued to the present day with the retirees' monthly breakfasts in Lakewood. Following a classic WWII courtship spanning 3 years, 3 furloughs and many letters, George wed Eva Wuynovich of Tacoma, a long, loving and devoted marriage of 64 years that has been a wonderful example to all. With our mother's loving care of Dad during the past year in particular, "In sickness and in health" became far more than just a phrase. George will be remembered for his skilled hands and keen mind, his love of both telling and hearing a good story, his gift of gab and his earnest interest in others, his quiet pride in his wife and family, his sound advice and invaluable participation in his children's businesses, his fondness for his Croatian culture, good food and old music, his satisfaction in planting a garden and harvesting its bounty. He was both a gentle man and a gentleman. George is survived by his wife, Eva, children George Jr., Robert (Lisa) and Mary (Bill) Sudar Acker; grandchildren Kate Sudar Sprague, Sam and Joe Sudar; siblings John and Bill Sudar, Mary Burdick, Nellie Eterno and Anne Howell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by parents Rose and Jacob, brothers Joe, Nick, Tony and infant brother Paul. Memorial mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5510 North 44th Street, Tacoma, on Saturday, February 23, 11 am. Remembrances to Holy Cross Church, the family's parish for many years, or Multicare Hospice, which provided much comfort in George's last hours. Please leave condolences online at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.