Former longtime Umatilla Mayor George Hash died on Friday at the age of 96.
Hash served his country and community throughout his life, serving in the 101st Airborne Company ‘C’ 502nd Parachute infantry division. He was part of D-Day during World War II, serving as a prisoner of war before escaping, and later becoming a school teacher and Baptist minister.
Born in 1922 in Marion, Hash moved to Eastern Oregon in 1956 where he worked as a teacher in the Hermiston School District.
After retiring, he moved to the Umatilla area where he served the community as a city council member from 1989-1990 and mayor from 1991 to 2004. The city would later name “Hash Park” in his honor.
In his spare time, Hash enjoyed carpentry, and hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. Over the years, he participated in events at the Umatilla Indian Reservation and was a member of the VFW and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
A graveside service will be officiated by his brother, Rev. Bill Hash, with military honors at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
George was a wonderful man. I spent many hours with him on City Council, before following him as the Mayor of Umatilla. He could walk and talk your legs off no matter where we went. Our last big excursion was to Portland and the League of Oregon Cities Annual Conference. We were accompanied by former City Manager Larry Clucas and former Councilor Bob Tolliver. My son also came along this trip. We had dinner at the now-closed Octopus Greek Restaurant in Portland. George taught my son how to throw and break plates against the wall following our dinner. It was a sight to see. Afterward we got lost getting back to our hotel. I remember my son whispering to me in the back seat of the truck, “dad you’re a bunch of crazy old men!” George was an amazing man, a mentor, and a very adept politician. Most of all he was a smiling face and a warm and gentle demeanor.. I will miss him greatly.
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