George Downing Wieman, Active in Kiwanis

George Downing Wieman, born Jan. 25, 1922 in Los Angeles, Calif., a former Kirkland resident active with the Kirkland Kiwanis, died at his home in Sun Valley, Idaho, on Aug. 20.

He attended Beverly Hills High, Oregon State University and UCLA. He served in the Flying Navy in the Panama Canal during WWII.

George grew up in L.A. body surfing, diving for lobster, golfing, driving rather fast,and participating in lots of pranks. He met the love of his life, Jacqueline, on a blind date. They would have been married 62 years on Sept. 10, 2011.

He worked for Standard Oil of California (Chevron) for 25 years, becoming district sales manager in Elko, Nevada, and then in Seattle. Subsequently, he started Horizon Enterprises, Inc., a gasoline/carwash business which he ran for 13 years.

George started playing golf at age 10 and continued until four weeks ago. He loved to ski, starting at age 38 and continuing to perfect his technique under the instruction of his children until age 88.

Boating in the San Juan Islands with his grandchildren and friends brought him immense joy. The Kiwanis Cub of Kirkland was his favorite service organization. He was Governor of the Pacific Northwest District and Host Committee Chairman for the Kiwanis International Convention in Seattle.

He was instrumental in starting the I.D.D. (Iodine Deficiency Disorder) program, a Kiwanis concern. George was also an elder in the Presbyterian Church of the Bigwood. He had a lifelong faith and held on to the hope of eternity with God the Father and his Lord Jesus.

George will be remembered for his incredibly positive attitude, his favorite quote, being, “Moderation in all things!” and his delicious sour dough pancakes. When asked how he continued to be so active, he’d say, “Just keep moving!”

He is survived by his wife, Jackie; son, Randy; daughters, Renée & son-in-law Paul,Nanette & son-in-law Jean Marie; grandchildren, Danielle, Jens, Max, & Jake; andhis sister, Barbara Wieman. He is preceded in death by his father, George Carl and his mother, Madeline.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley and to the Presbyterian Church of the Bigwood. A memorial celebration will be held at the Presbyterian Church of the Bigwood on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 10:00 a.m.

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Information for this report came from a Kirkland Kiwanis release.