George Donald Hlebechuk

George Donald Hlebechuk passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 76.

George was born in Missoula, Montana, the first son of George and Hulda Hlebechuk.  He joined three older sisters and later welcomed two younger siblings into the family.  From an early age, George was known for his strong work ethic and love of learning.  

George graduated from Florence-Carlton High School in 1967. An athlete, he played football and basketball, throughout high school and spent his summers changing irrigation pipe for ranchers throughout the Bitterroot Valley. He also enjoyed riding dirt bikes and motorcycles with his younger brother.

George proudly served his country in the United States Army on active duty from November 13, 1968, to November 12, 1970. He then continued serving in the Army Reserve until his honorable discharge on November 12, 1974.

While serving in the Army Reserve, George worked for Intermountain Lumber Company and attended the University of Montana in Missoula. He was awarded a scholarship from the Jaycees, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration on June 15, 1975. Never one to stop learning, George continued his education and went on to become a Certified Public Accountant, passing the CPA examination on his very first attempt.

Following graduation, George accepted a position with Deloitte Touche as an auditor, a career opportunity that brought him to Seattle. Seattle became his home for the remainder of his life.

In 1979, George joined Alaska Commercial Company as Vice President of Finance. His work took him throughout Alaska, including some of the state's most remote villages. During these years, he developed a deep love for the beauty and adventure of Alaska.

One of George's greatest joys was fishing. A close friend who owned a men's clothing store in Edmonds enlisted George's accounting expertise, and in return, the two embarked on annual week-long fishing adventures throughout Alaska and Canada.  They would board a seaplane from Lake Union and fly into remote fishing destinations.  George especially loved catching King salmon and halibut. Fishing was truly his happy place.

In 1986, George became Chief Financial Officer of Omni Enterprises. In 2000, he made his final career move, joining Talgo, Inc. America, a train manufacturer headquartered in Spain. He remained with Talgo until his retirement in 2012.

George enjoyed traveling the world, playing golf, and swing and ballroom dancing, which is how he met his wife, Carol. He also cherished spending time with family and friends, often cooking up a delicious meal to share with everyone while creating memories filled with laughter, love, and his wonderful sense of humor. He was a man of deep faith who loved and trusted his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sadly, George was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, a journey often described as "the long goodbye." Yet even in the face of that diagnosis, his optimism never wavered. When the doctor delivered the news, George simply asked, "So what's the good news? He taught those around him an important lesson: enjoy every moment of life. He understood that life is precious, time is never guaranteed, and each day is a gift to be lived fully. His joyful spirit, sense of humor, and appreciation for life's simple pleasures left a lasting impression on all who knew him. After the passing of his parents, he became the patriarch of the Hlebechuk siblings, a steady source of wisdom, encouragement, and strength.

George was known for his quick wit and ability to make those around him laugh. He never missed an opportunity for a good joke. One family favorite involved his young nephew, Braden, during T-ball season. When Braden needed to buy an athletic cup, George encouraged him to walk up to the pretty sales lady at the sporting goods store and, in his deepest kindergarten voice, ask, "Excuse me, I'm looking for a cup, size large." The joke became a treasured family story and perfectly captured George's playful spirit and knack for creating laughter wherever he went.

He often asked people, "Is your glass half full or half empty?" If someone answered, "half empty," George would smile and reply, "Then you need a smaller glass." When asked how he was feeling, he would often grin and say, "Like a million bucks—green, wrinkled, and spent."

George is deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his son, Chad; his daughter, Mary Jane; his five siblings; and many nieces and nephews who love and admired him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol; his parents, George Sr. and Hulda; and his sister, Darlene who also passed in March 2025.

George's final resting place is the waters of Puget Sound along the Edmonds-to-Kingston ferry route, one of his favorite places in the world.

A life well lived, a faith well kept, and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank “First and Amazing” Adult Family Home, in Lynnwood. It is with TG and Johannes’s tender loving care and making George a part of their family that kept him on this earth for so long.

We would also like to thank “Quinn” from “Ohana Fiduciary Corporation” for her continued support as his guardian.