George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene LaMaine, and his brother Jeff LaMaine. He is survived by his wife Sue LaMaine and three daughters, Kim Cope (Mike), Sandy LaMaine, and Stephanie LaMaine. Grandchildren Kyle, Corey (Seneca) Brian (Kathy), Carmen, Connor, Chloe, and Piper. Great granddaughter Lexi, and another on the way, his sister Celeste Bouffiou (Joe) and nieces, nephews and cousins.
George grew up in the Broadview neighborhood where he had a good old-fashioned childhood. He attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High where he met the love of his life, Sue McCaffrey, who later became his high school sweetheart and bride of 62 years. He graduated from Ingraham High school and attended the University of Washington. Coming from a military family, George and a few of his close buddies joined The United States Army Reserve.
He grew up working in the family business, 3GI’s located in the Crown Hill area of Ballard, where they sold army surplus and hardware. Through the years the store evolved into 3GI Athletics/Sports selling retail and wholesale sporting goods, equipment and uniforms. George took over as President of the business and continued to generate years of positive contributions to the local communities. He built strong friendships with fellow staff, coaches, teams, company reps, customers, and family who would stop in to say hello or go have coffee or lunch together.
He learned to scuba dive at a young age and did recovery work for people who lost items in the Ballard Locks and underwater repairs in the Shilshole Bay area. When he wanted a boat for the family to go water-skiing, he found the plans for one he liked and built a ski boat.
In 1970, George had the opportunity to begin a new summer annual adventure of commercial salmon fishing in Egegik, Alaska. He shared this adventure with his brother Jeff, brother-in-law Joe Bouffiou, daughters, grandsons, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Also in 1970, after purchasing a small house on Cottage Lake, George surprised Sue with house plans for her birthday. This began their home building journey and he started by excavating the ground with shovel in hand, after working his day job.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting, camping, hiking, razor clamming, watching Huskies football games, lunch and hunting trips with his buddies and time with family and friends.
He was the true ‘Mr Fixit’ as he could fix anything and if he didn’t know how, he would work at it until he figured it out.
George loved spending time with his family and going to support and cheer them on at their activities. He was always asking and enjoyed hearing about what the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids were up to. He was there to lend a helping hand when needed and dedicated his life to taking care of his family.
We all loved George dearly and will truly miss him. Our hope is that his legacy, love and care for others will live on. Donations may be made to the Ballard Boys and Girls Club, in memory of George LaMaine. https://positiveplace.org/donate
Services will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home and Cemetery on Thursday, August 29th 2024 at 2:00 pm.
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