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George W. King Tucson, AZ QCWA # 30104 Chapter 16 |
George W. King, M.D. August 31, 1922 - November 23, 2009 Longtime Tucson resident and physician, George Wales King, MD passed away in Redmond, Washington on November 23, 2009. He was 87. George was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 31, 1922 to Miriam Uthoff King and George Wales King, Sr.
He graduated with a medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis where he met Rosemary Yardley, a nursing student. They married on June 24, 1945 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2005 before Rosemary's passing in October of that year. Together they traveled the world and made lifelong friends.
After George served as a U.S. Army captain in South Carolina, the Kings moved to Arizona in the early 1950's and George began a medical practice. He and Rosemary settled in Tucson where they raised three daughters. For half a century, they joyfully decorated their home during Winterhaven's annual Festival of Lights. George received honors and civic awards throughout his more than 40 years of family practice. When not introducing himself as "King George", he was most proud of the title, "Grandpa George."
Helping to heal others remained his life-long commitment. He loved classical music, taking photographs, and tinkering. He never lost his sense of humor or curiosity, and often shared newfound knowledge with anyone willing to listen or watch him draw a diagram. As the last surviving member of his immediate family, George was preceded in death by his father and mother and two younger brothers, John DeWitt King and Merton Pruett Oliver King and his son-in-law, Dale Mark Leiendecker.
He is survived by his daughters, Mary Marjorie (Margie) King, currently teaching in Shantou, China; Patricia (Patty) King Leiendecker, of Bisbee, AZ; Elizabeth (Betsy) King Robb and son-in-law, Jeffrey Jay Robb, of Redmond, WA; grandchildren, Alexander George Berger, of Los Angeles, Nora Berger-Green of Philadelphia and Mackenzie Margaret Rose Robb, of Redmond; sister-in-law, Delora Smith King and nephew, John Reagor King, of Huntsville, TX and his second wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Harland King, of Tucson. Betty helped return the sparkle in his eyes after Rosemary's death.
In addition, George leaves behind appreciative patients in Tucson and wonderful friends around the world. A Memorial Service in Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 400 E. University Blvd. (520-623-2579).
The family asks that you enjoy something chocolate in his memory, and that any flowers be sent to a loved-one or "shut-in". He was an active and proud member of the Catalina Rotary Club, and a 50 plus year member of Trinity Presbyterian Church. Memorial gifts in his honor are suggested to these two organizations, to the Salvation Army, or to a charity of the donor's choosing.
George lived a wonderful life. He was dearly loved and is now greatly missed. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel, 326-4343.
Published in the Arizona Daily Star from Dec. 18 to Dec. 27, 2009