George Garmire

George Barber Garmire

February 21, 1921 ~ March 1, 2019

George Barber Garmire passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019 at the age of 98. He was born on February 21, 1921 in Pocatello, Idaho, born the son of George Stewart Waggoner and Emily Richardson and was adopted and raised by Jerry Garmire.

He joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and completed his training in San Diego, California. He was sent to the Marshall Islands where he engaged in front line combat. While leading his squad against enemy positions, Corporal Garmire was hit in the back of his leg with a piece of shrapnel. He received the Purple Heart Medal for his service and was discharged.

George earned a business and accounting degree from Idaho State University. He married Elayne Haskell in 1946 and the couple moved to Ogden, Utah. They had 3 children, Kristine, Tamara (who died after 10 hours of life) and Douglas.

George was creative and enjoyed working with his hands. He helped Kristine make a dollhouse and furniture for her Barbie Doll out of cardboard. He and Doug made a miniature train-scape complete with bridges, mountains, tunnels and a city with buildings where the train made daily stops.

George worked at Hill Air Force Base and Thiokol Corporation where he was a skilled price analyst and negotiator of contracts for the United States Air Force. He received numerous commendations for his efforts.

After his divorce, George was transferred to Los Angeles, California where he continued his career. He met and married Ruby Maude Hutchinson on April 6, 1970 in Long Beach, California. He played an integral part in the lives of Ruby’s children and grandchildren. George was able to take an early retirement and the couple sold their belongings, bought a trailer and hit the road like two elder hippies. The soulful couple traveled the country meeting diverse people and soaking up the sun while enjoying the beauty of America.

George moved back to Utah with Ruby so he could be with Kristine and Douglas and their families. He became a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He supported the Boy Scouts and was also a member of the Elks Lodge.

George enjoyed wood carving, golfing, traveling, photography, cooking, and bingo.

George is survived by his sons, Douglas (Cynthia) George Garmire, Ogden and Grant Hutchinson, Sacramento, CA; daughters, Kristine Garmire, Ogden; 8 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; and grand-dogs, Henry Garmire, Winnie the Pooh Garmire, Hazel Garmire and Kilo Rey Garmire. He was preceded in death by his wives, Elayne Haskell and Ruby Maude Hutchinson; daughters, Tamara Garmire and Linda Hutchinson; parents, Jerry and Emily; and sister, Dorothy Garmire.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.