Obituary: Love, George Edwin
He was surrounded by his family at his home.
He was a dancer, teacher, coach, boy scout, hugger, teaser and gentleman.
He always had a bounce in his step, a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile.
George Edwin Love was born October 13, 1920 in San Francisco, California, to Edwin James Love and Zylpha Theresa (Leathers) Love.
He always thought of himself as a San Francisco boy, even though he lived most of his life in Spokane, Washington.
Although he grew up during the “Great Depression” his childhood memories were of fun times.
He told of going to the movies for 10 cents which included an ice cream bar, riding the street car to school, watching the circus come to town from the roof of his house, attending the 1939 World’s Fair, and going to lots of dances with his friends!
He was very close to his parents as a child and throughout his life and took his family to visit them in San Francisco every summer.
George was a lifelong Boy Scout.
He grew up attending camp at Mt.
Tamalpais and walked with his troop across the Golden Gate Bridge the day it opened.
Even though he had three daughters, he stayed active in scouting as an adult.
He formed new troops, acted as scoutmaster and worked as adult staff at Camp Easton, Fife, Chinook and Cowles.
He was awarded the St. George Medal, the Silver Beaver and proudly carried his gold 50 years in scouting card.
George graduated from Polytechnic High School in San Francisco and then entered the Navy.
He met the love of his life, Viola Mengelkamp, in Moscow, Idaho while he was in training at Radio School at the U of Idaho.
They were married in 1943 in Ft. Lauderdale while he was stationed there.
He sailed on the ship USS Nespelene.
He graduated from Eastern WA College of Education (EWU now) and spent most of his teaching years in the Central Valley School District in the Spokane Valley.
He taught many years in the 6th grade at Greenacres Elementary where he also coached the boys basketball team.
Later he taught and coached girls volleyball at North Pines Jr. High.
He also ran the Park and Rec winter gym programs, as well as teaching Religious Education.
He was an inspiration to many of his students who later told him, “Mr. Love, you were my favorite teacher” or “You were the reason I made it through school.”
He received the EWU Outstanding Alumni Award for his dedication to working with youth.
He was a great husband to Viola.
They had a fun life together and were married almost 70 years.
They met at a dance and continued dancing through their lives.
Every morning he gave her a kiss.
They made lifelong friendships dancing the jitterbug and two-step with friends from the Eagle’s Club and square dancing club.
They did a lot of travelling with family and saw many U.S. states plus two trips to Europe and enjoyed several family cruises.
They also had many fun times with their Good Sam camping group.
George loved going with family and friends on the fun bus to Winnemucca and always looked forward to our “Love” trips.
He also enjoyed having the family all gathered at the “Lots of Love” at Pend Oreille Lake.
They also continue to play cards with their special friends.
He was a gentleman who always took care of his girls, rushing to open a door even when his arthritis made it difficult for him to move quickly.
He had a quick wit and always enjoyed a joke or a funny story.
He loved to sing around the campfire and while rocking the kids.
George built a foundation of love that touched many lives.
He lived up to his name “Love”.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edwin James Love and Zylpha Theresa (Leathers) Love, and his older brother Robert Francis Love.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Viola Behler Mengelkamp Love.
His daughters Teresa Love Hagelin and husband Rich, Gail Love VanderSchoor and husband Vic, and Kathleen Love Frazier and husband Rocky.
His grandchildren Suzanne, Sarah and Brian Hagelin; Kristina, Juli and Karianne VanderSchoor; and Steven, Catie and Joey Frazier.
His great-grandchildren Grace, Joe and Caleb Temple; and Madeleine, Kaitlyn and Peyton George VanderSchoor.
He also is very close to his surviving in-laws: Betty Westergreen, Helen and Bill Sacht, Jim Mengelkamp, Helen Mengelkamp as well as many nieces and nephews.
We will miss his kind heart, sense of humor and loving ways.
He left behind a legacy of love, family and faithfulness.
Do a good deed or commit a random act of kindness in his memory.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 10th from 6 PM until 8 PM and Friday, January 11th from 12 Noon until 4 PM, both at the funeral home.
A Vigil Service will take place Friday, January 11th at 5:30 PM, also at the funeral home.
A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, January 12th at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a Graveside Service will be Monday, January 14th at 11 AM at the Moscow City Cemetery, Moscow, ID.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Inland Northwest Council, Boy Scouts of America, Camp Cowles Endowment Foundation, 411 W. Boy Scout Way, Spokane, WA 99201.
Please visit George’s on-line memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to: