George G. Carrick

George Gray Carrick was born in Lewiston, Idaho, on November 2, 1932 to Grant O. Carrick and Elsie Marie Carrick (nee George).  He graduated from St. John High School in Washington and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952.  He was stationed in the South Pacific and the Mediterranean; his favorite posting was in Italy.  After five years in the Navy and several other jobs, he enrolled in Central Washington State College 1959, majoring in Sociology and Psychology. 

It was at CWSC that he met his future wife, Judith Frances Wyscaver, who was preparing to become a junior high school teacher.  He followed her to Sunnyside, where they taught at Sunnyside Junior High School (later Harrison Middle School), for their entire teaching careers.  After their marriage in 1963, they purchased a home in Sunnyside and had one son, Chad (born 1969).

In addition to teaching (mostly) social studies, George coached junior high football and basketball.  As a teacher, he was dedicated, organized, and meticulous, but he enjoyed his students and created a supportive atmosphere in his classroom.  At the same time, he was an outspoken and well-informed person of progressive views who did not hesitate to speak his mind.

He was a strong family man whose best friends were his wife and his son, with whom he shared many interests – sports, books, pets, films and educational TV programs.  He also enjoyed building furniture (especially for the classroom) and fishing.  His favorite dogs were German shepherds, but all of the family dogs and cats knew that George was the “pushover” in the family who could always be counted on for treats.

George retired in 1994, got a new dog, and purchased a nice camp trailer.  He rented a space for the trailer at Rimrock Lake, but he and his wife also spent time at the beach and in Seattle.  He and his son frequently drove to Seattle to watch Seahawks and Sonics games.  He also served on a rural housing committee, Friends of the Library, and the Sunnyside Museum Board.

George died in July 5, 2016.  He is survived by his wife Judith, his son Chad, his brother Larry (& Jetty) of Spokane, his sister Betty of Wenatchee, and numerous nieces and nephews.   A Celebration of Life service will be held at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Sunnyside at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 13.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Holy Trinity Memorial Fund. Those wishing to sign George's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com.   Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside in care of arrangements.

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