Kay "Hoop" George

Beloved husband, pop and grandpa Kay "Hoop" Eben George, age 79, passed away on September 2, 2022, at home in Etna, surrounded by his wife Jeanie and his family, after battling an illness with strength and dignity. Hoop was born in Medford, Oregon, to Clarence and Katherine George. Hoop, the youngest of five brothers and one sister, spent his childhood in Forks of Salmon with his family. Hoop and his siblings enjoyed growing up on the river and the freedom that living in that area afforded. He often talked about driving their cars too fast until they broke down and needed to be repaired. Hoop learned to fix cars from his brothers and this led to a lifelong love of fixing cars and just about anything else that needed fixing. He was known to offer a unique perspective to problem solving that usually included duct tape and some ingenuity. Hoop was one of a kind who, like so many of his generation, wouldn't buy something new if he could repair and reuse an old one. Hoop began a career with the Forest Service at the age 18. He enjoyed the wilderness and he often mentioned how lucky he was as his career allowed him the opportunity to spend time in the forest. Hoop was happiest when cutting firewood as well as exploring and hiking through the land. He was an avid lifelong hunter. After Hoop retired from the Forest Service, he continued to explore the forests, traveling and exploring new areas of the wilderness. In 1962, Hoop married Rachel Bennett in Forks of Salmon, and they made their home in Cecilville before moving to Forks of Salmon. They had five children together, Bonnie, Roy (Jennifer), Julie (Sean), Susan (Aaron) and Geana (Josh). They were married for 42 years, eventually moving to Etna where they raised their family. Rachel sadly passed away in 2004. In 2009, Hoop married Jeanie and was blessed to have her sons, Tanner and Flint (Sarah), as well as Flint's children Emmit, Oliver and Josie, in his life. In addition to his wife Jeanie, Hoop is survived by his children, his grandchildren Rachel, Tucker, Tara, Trent, Kay, Kara, Landon, Lilly, Ashton and Adaline, numerous great-grandchildren, his brother Robin (Bebe), and his sister Claire. Hoop was preceded in passing by his first child Kay Elaine, his first wife Rachel, his parents, and his brothers Dave, Tom and Sam. Hoop was always willing to offer a helping hand to others and he was a wonderful man. He had a huge heart and was known to be kind to everyone. One of Hoop's greatest accomplishments was being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Hoop was a big kid at heart who would always take the time to play with the kids. The services will be held at the George Family Cemetery in Cecilville on September 10, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. Following the services, the family will be holding a celebration of life at Hoop's residence in Etna. Food and drink will be provided, however, please bring your own chair.

Kay "Hoop" George

December 8, 1942 - September 2, 2022