George Edward Counsell

November 1, 1940 – July 5, 2023

George Edward Counsell, 82, a longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, after a short battle with cancer.

George was the first-born son of Ed and Lillian Counsell on Nov. 1, 1940, and raised in LaGrande, Oregon on a cattle ranch. He loved living on Happy Valley Ranch driving tractors, putting up hay, herding cattle and riding horses exploring local mountains and streams with his brothers. He attended a little country grade school just down the road and LaGrande High School. He was an active member of FFA and played an alto saxophone in the high school band. He graduated in 1958.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in September 1959 and served until September 1963. He was stationed at San Antonio, Texas; Chanute, Illinois; Roswell, New Mexico and Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake. He was an airman 1st class, assistant crew chief and jet mechanic on a KC 135. He served temporary duty in Fairbanks, Alaska and Hickman AFB in Hawaii.

He arrived at Moses Lake on New Years Eve 1960. He met his future wife, Karen that following summer, and then at a swim party at a neighbor's irrigation pond he knew she was the one! They were engaged April 28, 1962 and married on April 28, 1963 at the United Methodist Church and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. After his discharge he went to work for his father-in-law Alex Schwab and brother-in-law Charles Schwab. The three formed a farming partnership the following year. They were recognized for their success, being awarded the 1971 Outstanding Young Farmers of the Year. In 1976 the three were named Resource Conservationists of the Year by the Conservation District. They raised a wide variety of crops. After George retired, his son Mike continued on with the farming. George served his community over 10 years as a volunteer firefighter with Grant County Fire District 5.

George enjoyed many hobbies: boating, water and snow skiing, bowling, fishing, camping, traveling, playing pinochle and flying his plane. His latest hobbies were golfing with the guys and woodworking. George never met a stranger, especially at Bob's Café, making many lifelong friends over a cup of coffee. He loved to tease a bit, especially Karen's friends, and they all teased back. He loved his family and spent lots of quality time with them telling stories of growing up. He adored his three granddaughters and loved giving them rides when they were little on Great-Grandpa's old restored Farmall tractor.

George was a strong faithful and longtime member of the Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, serving in many ways as needed.

He is survived by his wife Karen; daughter Kris (Lee); son Jon (Marianne); son Mike (Kim); three granddaughters Danielle, Kailey and Kodie; and three step-grandsons Taylor, Reese and Carson and one step-granddaughter Tori. He's also survived by his brother Dale (Charlene) Counsell, brother-in-law Charles (Dee) Schwab and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Mark and his parents Ed and Lillian Counsell.

Public viewing is 2-3 p.m. July 17 at Kayser’s Chapel of Memories, Moses Lake, Washington. Interment will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 at Guarding Angels Cemetery, 2595 Road L NE, Moses Lake, Washington. All are welcome to attend. Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. at Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Ave., Moses Lake, Washington. Memories of George can be shared at www.kayserschapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moses Lake Presbyterian Church or Assured Hospice, 1417 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837