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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Prekeges, George Peter

Age 87

PREKEGES, George Peter George Prekeges passed away peacefully Wednesday July 15th, 2014.

George was born in Spokane, WA., February 21, 1927, to Greek immigrants Peter and Paraskevi Prekeges.

George was part of a railroad family, living in many small towns around Spokane, settling in Warden, Washington for his school years.

He then attended the University of Washington, graduating with a degree in Accounting.

After graduation, he made his home in Spokane.

At 16, he was granted a minor’s permit to start work on the Old Milwaukee Railroad.

He worked for 20 years as a brakeman and a conductor.

He ‘Rode the Rails’ throughout the Pacific Northwest, and always had fond memories of that time in his life.

George met his ‘lovely bride’, as he always called her, at a Greek basketball tournament in Salt Lake City.

George and Connie were married and made their home in Spokane for 44 years until her passing in 2003.

They worked side by side for years in their businesses, their church, and raising their three children.

A fall from a boxcar ended his railroad career, so George went into business for himself.

He opened Airways Rent a Car inside the City Ramp Parking Garage in Spokane with four cars.

He eventually purchased the Budget Rent a Car franchise in Spokane.

At different times he also owned franchises in Pullman, Lewiston, Walla Walla and Coeur d’Alene .

In 1973, he purchased the City Ramp Parking Garage at 1st and Stevens in downtown Spokane.

That was where he conducted business until he moved to Seattle to be closer to family in 2006.

George was a devout member and supporter of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and strong in his faith.

He gave many of his friends and customers tickets to the annual Greek dinner and festival so they could experience some of the culture he loved.

He was proud of his Greek roots, and keeping the traditions alive.

George is best known and appreciated for all he did for others.

He was a huge sports fan, and a sponsor of Spokane youth hockey for many years.

He loved cheering on the Spokane Indians in the summer, and the Chiefs in the winter.

He was a member of the Spokane Rotary and AHEPA.

George is survived by his three children, Penny Peppes and husband George, Peter Prekeges and wife Molly, Maria Prekeges, and his four grandchildren, Stephen, Kassiani, George, and Faye.

He is also survived by his brothers, Jim Prekeges, and Greg Prekeges.

George, ‘The Big Greek’ was larger than life, Not only in his stature, but his huge personality.

He always had a smile and a good joke to tell.

He will be missed dearly.

We thank him for all he gave to us, and salute him with his favorite drink…Ouzo!

Viewing from 5 pm Monday, July 21st followed by a Trisagion service at 7pm.

All at Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 2203 N. Division, Spokane, WA.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 22nd, 11 am at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1703 N. Washington, Spokane, Washington, 99205.

Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Lunch after at the Davenport Hotel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connie Prekeges Foundation; which supports childhood cancer programs.

Donate at www.conniewalk.org or checks can be mailed to PO Box 324, Kirkland, WA, 98083.

May his memory be eternal.