George Patrick Kennick, 69

George Patrick Kennick, 69, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at the Spokane V.A. Medical Center in Spokane, Wash. A celebration of George’s life will be held at a later date. George was born on April 18, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minn., to George C. and Mary Ann Logan Kennick. George grew up in Minneapolis but spent several summers with his aunt and uncle in Libby, Mont., where his love for the Pacific Northwest grew.

He joined the Marine Corps after high school and served four years of active duty service as a communications operator with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, with one tour in Vietnam. He earned the rank of sergeant before he was honorably discharged. He loved the Marine Corps and kept in touch with lifelong friends he made while serving. Upon discharge, he moved back to Minneapolis where he became a lineman/cable splicer with North Western Bell. During this time he met and married Shirley Ann Wiltse. They had three sons, Tony, Dan and John.

George wanted his family to enjoy the same memories that he had growing up and moved to Bonners Ferry in 1978 where he went to work for GTE. In 1989, George changed careers and worked for the city of Bonners Ferry at the Moyie Dam as an operator until he retired in 2006. George enjoyed the outdoors and loved working in his shop. He had many hobbies; including hunting, making knives, wood working and shooting sports.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sister, Dorothy Kennick; sons Tony Kennick and wife Bonnie, Dan Kennick, and John Kennick and wife Jana; his grandchildren Niccole, Cassandra, Kyle, Alexandra, Haley, Mandy, Reece, Ryan, Maci and Molli, as well as numerous nieces an nephews.He was preceded in death by his niece, Denise and grandson, Max.

George was a devoted husband and loving father/grandfather and will be dearly missed by all that knew him.Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit George’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.