George McGee

Klipsan Beach resident George W. "Wes" McGee, 87, died in Long Beach on July 3, 2008. The son of Charles and Bama (Hollingsworth) McGee, he was born May 18, 1921 in rural Alabama. As a youngster he lived in New Mexico and northern Canada before settling with his parents in Mead, Washington. He was a graduate of Mead High School and attended Gonzaga University before entering the work place. Wes worked as a home builder in Everett, Washington prior to being drafted into the US Army during World War II. He served as a paratrooper in the South Pacific and was stationed in the Philippines. When the war ended he was a member of the army of occupation in Japan where he remained serving for several years after the conclusion of the conflict. Returning stateside, Wes enrolled at Stanford University where he obtained advanced degrees in applied physics. He worked in Saudia Arabia on oil pipeline construction projects before settling in Seattle. There he worked as an engineer for Todd shipyards and later in the same capacity in Portland before retiring. In 1980 Wes settled in Klipsan Beach. There he remodeled his beach cabin into a permanent residence. He enjoyed yard work and took pride in his lawn. He was a former member of Ocean Park Moose where he had served in several capacities. He was proud of his independence and was often generous to a fault with family and friends. Wes is survived by several step-children; nephew Donald Conrad; and special friend Lee Dixon. At his request, no formal service will be held. Cremation arrangements are by Pacific Crematory at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea. The guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.