George Leroy Held, b.  March 18, 1934, entered peacefully into Heavenly rest on March 15, 2018, surrounded by his wife and family, following a recent decline in health.

George leaves behind his devoted wife, Rosalie (Anderson) Held, to whom he was married for 64 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nella and George Held, and his brothers, Charles and Donald Held.

George Held was born on March 18, 1934, in Barberton, Ohio.   The family moved to Wadsworth, Ohio, where he attended school and graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1952.   He was recruited to play college football as a "center," but he turned down the opportunity and joined the U.S. Navy. George's work was in the area of naval aviation.   During his tour at North Island Naval Station in San Diego, California, George met his future bride who was a civil servant at the naval station.   The happy couple arranged their marriage at the Stanwood United Methodist Church on March 30, 1956, and returned to their station at San Diego.   When George separated from service, the couple returned to Stanwood, Washington, where George built their family home where they have lived for 60 years.

George was a devoted family man and believed in hard work.   He was a union sheet metal worker, a volunteer firefighter and EMT at the Stanwood Fire Department for 45 years, as well as a lifelong member of the Stanwood United Methodist Church.   When the new fire station was built, a room was named after George to commemorate his years of service.   He was gentle, good-natured, loved animals, a wonderful gardener, and was very particular about the quality of his work.  

George will be missed by his wife, Rosalie;  daughters, Robin Southward and Tina Peterson (Hilert), grand-daughter, Sara Sargent (Austin) and grandson, Charles Southward.

A private graveside service was held earlier in the week.   A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date this spring.

The family wishes to thank Providence Hospice and Cascade In-Home Care for their loving care for our beloved George.   Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, WA.