Col George W. Grill USAF Ret

George W. Grill Jr, age 85, died peacefully at his home in Vancouver WA. He is survived by his wife Ann Mahoney Grill, brother Dennis Grill and three children: Cynthia Woodsen Colven, Cathleen Woodson Muller, and Brian Grill. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Nathaniel and Lillian Colven, and Tate, Tavis, and Tane Muller. George is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was born in Des Moines, IA, the oldest son of George Wilburn Grill Sr and Hazel World Grill.  George graduated Des Moines Technical High School and enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 where he served until his retirement as Colonel in 1978. During his Air Force career, he progressed from gunnery instructor in the B-29 to master pilot, flying a spectrum of high performance fighter aircraft including the F-4. George is one of very few airman to have earned all 3 USAF aviation wings: gunner, navigator, and pilot. He served with distinction for 5 combat flying tours in Vietnam as a forward air controller and as a member of the 1st Air Commando Squadron. George continued to excel as an executive with General Dynamics (GD) Corporation. His proudest accomplishment at GD was leading the first of six Tomahawk cruise missile installations in Europe which directly contributed to the ratification of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty in 1987. Georqe retired from GD in 1991, but he did not retire from life. His leadership and management skills were valued as President of two homeowners associations, and the Backstage Theater in Breckenriage, CO. While at Backstage, George applied the same energy and vigor from his professional life to developing his skills as a thespian, starring in several productions including Brigadoon, Other People’s Money, Twelve Angry Men, and Guys and Dolls. Additionally, he kept alive the lore of aviation as a key member of the Tale Spinners of Breckenridge. Finally, later in life, George attained Bronze Life Master as a member of the Vancouver Bridge Club. He enjoyed sunning in the garden he designed and tended at his Vancouver home. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of words and meanings, and his strong morals. George carried his honor and pride in his Air Force service as a large part of his character to the end. Con <JOI 4/iAQo IUV/J iAW i l l /iII Kk_/ \/o hwolH Ci inHov / 0 /1 CT^Kri im Services will be held Sunday, 24 February at Park Hill Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the Hilton, Spruce Room 4:30-8pm downtown Vancouver.