George Lewis Wilson, Ed.D.
April 2, 1928 - September 13, 2004
Obituary
George Lewis Wilson, Ed.D.
76, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family on September 13, 2004. George was born on April 2, 1928, in Brookings, South Dakota. He graduated from Highline High School in 1945 and then joined the United States Marine Corps where he served in the Marine Aircraft Group Fifteen while stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. He earned the rank of Sergeant, played football, and was honorably discharged in 1949. He served as a Cadet Captain with the United States Army ROTC from 1953-1954. Following his service in the Marine Corps, he attended the University of Southern California for one year and then Seattle University where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Commercial Science with honors. He was employed with The Boeing Company for one year as an accountant then returned to Seattle University for a Bachelor of Education degree. At Seattle University, he was the Captain of the tennis team, a member of the Alpha Sigma Nu Fraternity, and a member of the National Jesuit Honor Society. George coached football at O’Dea High School in Seattle and led the International “Fighting Irish” Little League Football Team to the American Conference Championship. He subsequently obtained a Masters and Doctorate Degree in Education from Seattle University. George retired from the Kent School District in 1991, after serving 36-years. He began his career in education at Kent Meridian High School, where he taught history and geometry, coached football, and served as a student counselor. George became the Vice Principal of Kentridge High School in 1968. In 1972, George became the Principal of Kentridge High School. In 1980, George took part in the creation and development of Kentwood High School and served as the Principal of Kentwood from 1981 until his retirement. He was involved in teaching and educational pursuits throughout his retirement. While serving in the United States Marine Corps, George began his training in the martial art of Judo. George was invited to train at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan, and served as a Judo Instructor at the Air Defense Command, United States Air Force, McChord Air Force Base. George was recognized as an international Judo competitor, referee, and mission leader. George earned his Yudansha – Seventh Degree Black Belt from United States Judo, Inc. He taught judo at the Washington Athletic Club and was in a partnership to establish the Kent Judo Institute in 1966. George was instrumental in bringing the sport of Judo to Kent School District and initiating the first officially recognized high school judo program in the United States in 1955. George received many awards, including a Recognition Award from President Kano, Kodokan Judo Institute; Referee, World Judo Championship, Mexico City; Mission Leader, 1970 United States High School Judo Team; served as the Chairman for the United States National Judo Committee; Referee, World Military Games; Hammelberg, West Germany; Mission Leader, 1975 United States High School Team, Japan, Korea, Taiwan; and organized the first International High School Competition in 1976 in Kent, Washington. He also served as the President of the Washington Chapter of the Amateur Athletic Union and he published many articles on fundamental teaching practices, school counseling and judo in the physical education curriculum in American schools. George was elected to the United States Judo Hall of Fame in 1994. George leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Joan; his sons, Brian Diane, Gregory Maureen; daughters Teresa Goodman Paul, Anne Smith Garrett, and Eileen Sewell Robert; ten grandchildren, Kyle, Katie, Lauren, Madeline RIP, Blake, Caleb, Stephanie, Christian, Grant, and Halle; his sister, JoAnn Samuel George of Kent, his aunt, Aline Odlin, of Washington DC; and many other family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 17, 2004, at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, 13055 SE 192nd, Renton, Washington. Private family committal at Tahoma National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in his name to: Washington State Judo Inc., 14121 SE 228th Street, Kent, WA 98042. Arrangements entrusted to Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac 206 242-1787. Please visit the online memorial at bonneywatson.com. George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all those that loved and respected him.
Yoshitaka Nakagaki, Principal of Kitano Senior High School, Osaka, Japan, and all the Exchange staff at Kitano, are deeply sorry to hear that Mr. George Lewis Wilson@passed away. We are sorry to be late in extending our sympathy as we heard the news today. He was one of the chief members of the judo exchange between the US and Japan, and we owed him a great deal for establishing the sister school relationship between Kentwood High School and Kitano. We add our deepest sympathy to that of the many who knew and admired him.
Very sincerely,
Dear Joan and family, I was so saddened to hear of George’s passing. He touched so many lives and will be remembered as a wonderful father and husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you. love madeline
I remember when I was a little girl and George would bring his team on a trip to Canada. The bus would always stop at the gas station across the street and George would run across Peace Portal Drive and greet his Uncle Kenny and Aunt Verna. He always had a big smile on his face as he loved being involved with youth and also loved his family. Later in life I would learn to appreciate his skills as a leader and family man. Our sympathy and prayers go out to all of his family at this time.
Dear Joan,
We are so sorry to hear that George has passed. He was a fine gentleman and a wonderful neighbor. We know he will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Bob & Kathy
It is hard to lose two K-M men in such a short time. I taught at K-M with “Doc” and George and appreciate what good men and leaders they both were. Very few administrators today have the positive influence on teachers as these two men. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
We are very sorry to hear about George. We have many fond memories of many times with both of our families. Our prayers are with all of you.
George has been a good friend and a valued administrator. He had few peers as a high school administrator. We will miss him.
To the Family:
I am truly sorry to see the passing of someone I only knew as a teacher, but an exceptional one. He taught me Accounting while at Seattle U and made a memorable impression on me ever since. He was disciplined, knowledgeable, and a good man. His interest in Judo seemed total and I can still see him in his white kimono demonstrating the technical moves he used in the sport. I never saw him again after I left Seattle U but I still retain his memory….
What a great man, to have such a great daughter as Anne.
May God’s peace fill each family member’s heart
Joan and family,
We have fond memories of George and your family. Our sons were at KR in the 70’s in wrestling and football. Rich was fortunate enough to teach with George at KM and Kentwood. As a teacher’s wife, you know how much it meant to me to know that Rich taught each day with a man he respected so much. His leadership in education and judo will be greatly missed.
I have always considered it an honor to have known George. Our sympathy to all the family.
I was a student at Kentwood High School between 1981 and 1984 and I fondly remember Dr. Wilson. I wish to express my condolences to the family of the man I truly admired. I still have a note that he wrote to me when I graduated and it is treasured. I am so sorry for you loss.
I was a student of George Wilson at K-M during the years of 1957 to 1959. He was
one of my favorite teachers. I remember on our senior trip to Victora,BC trying to
round us all up and get us back on the boat. Iam very sorry for you loss.
Dr. Wilson was a man with a vision. He opened and guided Kentwood High School with that vision. I am proud that Dr. Wilson hired me for a staff position at Kentwood, and that I have been at Kentwood ever since. He is a man the type of which we will not see again. Rest in Peace, George, and may God speed. Mike Mullay, Kentwood English Department.
Joan,
Joan and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and the entire Wilson family. While I knew Teresa and Eileen the best I’m sure their great personalities reflected all the Wilson children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It has to be a comfort to you knowing we all recognized and will remember George with nothing but good thoughts.