GEORGE OLIVER COTHERN Oct. 19, 1942 – Jan. 26, 2011 George Oliver Cothern passed away at home in Richland, Washington at the age of 68 on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. George was born to Odiess and Pansy Cothern in Cumberland, Kentucky. Those early years growing up in Sawmill Hollow had a strong influence on him throughout his life. Leaving Kentucky in search of work, George moved to Miami, Florida where he worked as a mechanic for the airlines industry. It was there that George married and began raising a family. After moving to Bellevue, Washington he started his own janitorial business. In the summer of 1988, looking for work and adventure, George took a summer job at the Queen Fisheries in Dillingham, Alaska. Once he got there, he knew he'd found his home. At the end of summer, not wanting to leave, he talked his way into the job of winter watchman. That winter proved to be more challenging, exhilarating, and rewarding than he ever expected. George spent the next fifteen years living and working in the fishing industry throughout different parts of Alaska. The people he met, the places he saw, and the Alaskan way of life were things he truly loved. In 2003, George moved back to Washington, to the Tri-Cities, to be closer to his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren whom he loved very much. No one could make him smile like his grandkids; they meant everything to him. George was a very kind and generous man who was always willing to lend a hand to help a friend in need. He would gladly give you anything he had, including - quite literally - the shirt off his back, if he thought it could help. George was a good listener and a great story teller. He loved music and laughter and friendships. He was full of life. George is survived by his daughter, Tia Dave McCartney; grandsons, Ryan and Kyle; son, Brian Angela Cothern; granddaughters, Chyanna and Sydney; sister, Phyllis Nicky Drury; brother, Odiess Cothern; niece, Sharon Parker; and many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Odiess and Pansy Cothern; sisters, Betty Wilks and Loiva Parker; and brothers, Philip and Robert Cothern. Dad, you will be with us forever. Grandpa Possum, we wish you were still here. Until we are all together again, you will be greatly missed. At George's request, there will be no service. Instead, the family will gather together this summer to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support the American Red Cross by donating blood, or that you offer your support to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy.