George Donaldson

George Alan Donaldson, 84 of Mountain Home, Idaho, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2015. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, educator, coach, athlete and outdoorsman.

A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 12, 2015, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.

George was born in Barber, Idaho, on Nov. 30, 1930, to Laurence and Alice Harryman Donaldson. At the age of three, the family relocated to Emmett.

George attended school in Emmett, and it was in elementary school that his friends gave him the nickname "Honk," which stuck with him throughout his adult life. He graduated from Emmett High School in 1949, where he was active in athletics, playing football, basketball and baseball.

George went on to attend Boise Junior College where he played football for Lyle Smith and George Blankley. His proudest moment was playing in the Jr. Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., and scoring a touchdown. Even though they didn't win the game, it was an experience he would never forget.

After completing two years at BJC, he continued his education at Eastern Washington College of Education. George enlisted and served in the Army during the Korean War. Upon leaving the Army, he finished his education at the University of Idaho, receiving his bachelor's degree. George's first teaching position was in Ola, Idaho.

George married Sharon Schiller on March 30, 1956, in Emmett. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Mountain Home for George to pursue his career in teaching. He taught general science, counseled, and coached football, basketball and baseball at the high school.

After several years of teaching, George received his master's degree at the University of Idaho. He became Principal at West Elementary, and after four years went on to become the Principal at North Elementary. He spent 19 years at North before retiring in 1991.

"A person needs to be firm but fair, congenial and flexible as working with children you have to be flexible."

His fond memories were when a child would tell him he was nice, giving him a hug or holding his hand. In total, George spent 35 years in education. During that time, he would spend his summers teaching driver's education. George was truly a patient man.

After retiring, he went to work for the Forest Service, working with youth groups during the summer. In 1996 when Sharon retired, they became snowbirds spending winter months in Parker, Ariz. They did this for 17 years.

George was a man that couldn't sit still; he had to be doing something. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, woodcarving and spending time with his family and friends. George's family was the most important thing to him. He loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. The time that they spent together was priceless and the memories are irreplaceable.

In 2013, George ws diagnosed with brain cancer. He had a strong will to live and never complained. He just wanted to get it over with and back on the golf course.

After his battle with cancer, George had a few mishaps that proved to be more challenging and difficult to recover from. He fought a gallant battle and died a hero in the end.

George was a Boise State Bronco fan through and through. He attended the football games and was glued to the TV during the football season when the Broncos were playing. It wasn't uncommon seeing him in some kind of Bronco gear.

George was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Fred and Dorothy Schiller and his brother, Ralph Donaldson.

George will be greatly missed by his wife, Sharon of 59 years, son Bryan (Sarah), daughter Stacy (Joe), six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Holtzclaw and Elsie Donaldson, sister-in-law Jeanenne Donaldson, brother-in-law Ron Schiller (Sheron) and his niece and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice.