George Arthur Pacheco

George Arthur Pacheco, 87,

passed away peacefully in his

home, surrounded by family, on

May 31, 2026.

George was a devoted

husband and loving father, and

a man whose life was defined by

laughter, joy and service.

George was born in Raton, New Mexico, in 1939.

His family later

moved to Colorado, where he grew up and graduated from Colorado

Springs High School. It’s here where he met Glenda, his high school

sweetheart and wife of 67 years.

George was an outstanding wrestler in high school and received

a wrestling scholarship to attend college in Greeley, Colorado; however,

he chose to enlist in the United States Air Force.

After enlisting, he was selected for judo training at the Kodokan

Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan, where he received his black belt. He

was assigned as an instructor to train flight crews in hand-to-hand

combat during the Vietnam War. His service took him and his family

to many places across the United States and overseas. They settled

in Spokane, Washington, where he retired from the Air Force after 20

years of service.

After retiring, he returned to college and earned a Bachelor’s

Degree in Education from Eastern Washington University and became

a substitute teacher. He later worked for the postal service as a

machine maintenance mechanic.

George had a passion for serving those in need. His greatest

passion was the American Red Cross, where he and Glenda served

for over 20 years as disaster services volunteers. Together, they also

volunteered for Meals on Wheels and various local church ministries.

George had many hidden talents, from speaking foreign

languages to performing magic tricks, crafting origami, and fly-tying

with his veteran friends.

George will be remembered for his love of life and his laughter.

He was friendly, caring, sweet, and kind, with a heart of service. There

was always a smile and a kind word spoken, and always an extended

hand of giving. George always had a story to tell; he could make you

laugh and leave a smile on your face. He left his imprint on all those

he met.

George leaves behind great memories and a legacy that will

live on through his wife, Glenda, and their four children: Tony, Angie

(Ross), Laura (Ted), and Matt (Marcy); eight grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren;

and his faithful four-legged friend, Little Frankie.

A service with military honors will be held at the Washington

State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake on Wednesday, July 22, 2026,

at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of George’s life will follow at the Jensen

Memorial Youth Ranch Hall in Medical Lake.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the

American Red Cross.