George A. Hash of the Hermiston area passed away in Hermiston on April 12, 2019 at the age of 96.
He was born on Aug. 15, 1922 in Marion to Alvin and Ava Ann Griffith Hash.
George grew up and attended his early schooling in the Oregon City area. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne Company ‘C’ 502nd Parachute infantry division. He saw duty on D-Day in Normandy, then Holland and finally Germany, where he was wounded, made a prisoner of war, and later escaped to rejoin his outfit. After the war, he returned to Oregon and attended Oregon State University, where he received his master’s degree in education. He later attended seminary school at Carson Newman University.
George moved to Eastern Oregon in 1956 and worked as a teacher in the Hermiston School District for over 26 years. He then worked as a substitute teacher for an additional 10 years. In addition to being a teacher, he served as a Baptist minister for many years in the Hermiston area. After retiring, he moved to the Umatilla area, where he served the community as a city council member in 1989 and 1990 and mayor from 1991 through 2004. The city would later name Hash Park in his honor.
George was a master carpenter and a fine craftsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren. He attended the Baptist church in Hermiston for many years and enjoyed participating in events at the Umatilla Indian Reservation. He was a longtime member and supporter of the Gideons International and lifetime member of the NRA, VFW, and 101st Airborne and Coast Guard auxiliaries.
George married Alice Weaver on July 8, 1945 at Fort Vancouver, Wash.
He is survived by his sons, Randy and Daniel; daughter, Georgene; 13 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Bill Hash; and many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice in 2010; his parents; brother, John; sister, Rose; and a grandson, Tyson.
Viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, 685 W. Hermiston Ave.
A graveside service will be officiated by his brother, Rev. Bill Hash, with military honors at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.
To leave an online condolence for the family, go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
