George VanLeeuwen, 95, of Halsey died Oct. 21, 2016 in Albany at the Mennonite Village Rehab unit of age-related causes.
He was born Dec. 5, 1920 at home near Jamestown, N.D., and moved with his family to Oregon in 1936.
George lived most of his life on the VanLeeuwen farm west of Halsey, except for 1945-1956, during which time he attended and graduated from Oregon State Agricultural College and married Liz Nelson of Lakeview, Oregon.
He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Liz VanLeeuwen; one daughter, Mary LeQuieu of Rio Rancho, N.M .; three sons, Charles VanLeeuwen of Mountainair, N.M., and James VanLeeuwen and Tim VanLeeuwen of Halsey and their spouses; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Eugene VanLeeuwen of Scio.
George briefly taught vocational agriculture, before becoming a farm loan officer, and then in 1956 returned to Halsey to rent the family farm.
He touched many lives with his kind, intelligent, good-hearted spirit.
Many will remember him for his warm, friendly smile. He leaves behind an impression of gentleness, caring and faith.
George was a “second father” to many, who looked up to his example and wisdom.
“He truly was one of the last good men left in the world,” says Dutch cousin Paul Rutgers.
A memorial service was held Oct. 29 at Brownsville Baptist Church, with private interment at Pine Grove Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to Adult and Teen Challenge of Shedd (www.teenchallengepnw.com/wvmc), P.O. Box 108 Shedd, OR 97377; or Ag in the Classroom (oregonaitc.org/), 200 Strand Ag Hall, OSU, Corvallis, OR 97331.
Online condolences for the family may be posted at http://www.fisherfuneralhome.com.