It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of George Wahl on Wednesday January 15, 2014. George began his service to the Skykomish community in the fire department in 1979. In 1992, George was appointed Volunteer Fire Chief for King County Fire Protection District #50, beginning his fulltime career as Chief in May of 1993, serving until 2005 when he retired.
After moving to Skykomish George Wahl and his family have contributed in many ways to the Skykomish Valley. George operated Maloney’s General Store, built tow trucks with Josh’s, served as Town Marshal, WA State DOT aviation, and owned his own business Wahl Excavation. George was always willing to drop what he was doing to lend a helping hand.
George spent many selfless hours serving the District with at least one family member serving by his side supporting him in his endeavors. While he served as chief, George played a major role in accomplishing many District goals including the construction of the substation in Baring, improvements on the Skykomish Stations, purchase of fire engines and ambulances, starting a volunteer medic program, addition of paid full time personnel, multiple training programs, all while maintaining a full volunteer roster. Just before retirement George played a major role in the start up of Skykomish Valley Fire and Rescue to improve the delivery of advanced life support in the whole Skykomish Valley.
The Department greatly benefited from George’s ability to make friends and to accomplish almost any task that needed completing, saving time and money. Many lives have been impacted and benefited from George’s endless time commitment and selfless actions.
A memorial honoring George Wahl will be held in Skykomish on Sunday, January 26, 2014. The memorial will begin with a procession of vehicles and fire apparatus from Sultan to Skykomish. The procession line will form up at Rice Road in Sultan from 12:00 PM to 1:00. The procession is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM heading up the valley and then ending in Skykomish with a potluck gathering and slide show in the Skykomish School gymnasium.
The memorial is scheduled to begin at 2:00PM at the School. The memorial is open to all to remember their time with George.
Potluck- if your last name begins with A-G please bring a hot dish, H-P please bring a salad, Q-Z please bring a desert. Coffee and beverages will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the family at your local Chase bank under the name of Ruth Wahl, or you can use the online quick pay feature. Recipient Email: cherylwahl71@gmail.com
Please contact Skykomish Fire Department (KCFD#50) at 360-677-2686 or kcfd50@gmail.com for any questions.