1923
2013
George Washington (Bill) Horton, 89, passed away March 10th, 2013 at home in Arlington, Washington. WWII Navy Veteran – Yorktown Survivor – Accomplished Bullshitter
G.W. was born July 26, 1923 in Kershaw, South Carolina. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941 and was honorably discharged in Bremerton, Wa. in 1944. During his service in the U.S. Navy, he was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown CV-5, and the battleship USS West Virginia BB-48. George was a proud survivor of the sinking of the USS Yorktown during WWII's Battle of Midway. George was a born leader and salesman, after the war he crafted a storied and successful career in the auto industry. He worked his way up from a fresh-faced car hop in the early 1950's, to General Manager of downtown Seattle's Smith-Gandy Ford car dealership. During the 1970's and 1980's, he continued in the car business, making friends and working in the American Lease Division of Bill Pierre Ford until his retirement.
He leaves his loving family, wife Donna, his five children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He may be gone from our physical lives, but his masterful ability to tell a story, his sincerity with each person he encountered, and his humor will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 30th, 2013 at 11:00am, at Schaefer-Shipman, Marysville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
April 5, 2013
Bud Forsell
Donna and family, I worked many years with Bill, thought highly of him, enjoyed the moments our paths crossed in our industry, and his efforts to encourage me to gain status. I never heard him complain but know he had the right to. I feel the sorrow of his passing and I'll miss him too.
April 4, 2013
Lisa Dudley
Donna I am so sorry for your loss. I grew to love George and our conversations at Angels. He will always have a place in my heart and will be greay missed.
April 3, 2013
Eileen Darby
So sorry to hear of your loss Donna, I so enjoyed working with you at Blue Cross. We must have gotten married about the same time. I have been married since 1978 to Kim Darby. We both now work for Boeing and are living in Lynnwood. So enjoyed your company at work and all the good advice. A very big thank you! If there is anything I can do or you wish to visit we are in the phone book. My daughter is a doctor now. Sincerely Eileen Mattson Darby
March 30, 2013
Margaret (Mrs.Bill) Potteiger
Donna, When I scattered a few of my Bill's (Potteiger -Pierre and Smith Gandy) ashes under the oak tree behind the shop I knew he'd found good friends again. Now GW (Bill) can golf or swap stories about the "old days".
March 30, 2013
Aunty Michael L. Hansen
Bill! My world will never be the same again without your stories, your laughter, and your big heart.
Aloha, aunty Michael.
March 29, 2013
Molly LaLonde
Scotty, I was sorry to hear of your loss. You've always spoken so highly of your Dad over the years. And after reading this, it sounds to me, like you're a chip of the ole block.
Hoping you find comfort in your memories.
I'm sure he was very proud of you.
Love
Molly
March 29, 2013
David Haugen
It was nice to hear yesterday, from my brother Steve, that you asked about me upon your bi-yearly calls to him over the past 5 years, and that though not as close anymore due to circumstances, that you still cared about how I was doing, as you always had for the previous 38 years. I too never stopped caring about your well being and happiness and am glad that you had so many wonderful years to spend with your family and friends. Rest in peace Bill. Thanks for everything, David
March 27, 2013
Marion Hunter
The Hunter family moved in across the street from the Horton family in 1963. We watched the youngsters grow up. Our elder son Patrick moved away, lured by the skiing in Colorado. The rest of the family stayed near-by. But who would ever have guessed that one day, G.W. Horton would become my daughter Linda's father-in-law?
March 26, 2013
John Stockman
I have not met a more colorful and engaging character than GW. His stories, jokes and warmth were the qualities that drew so many to him. His presence will be missed and the memories will live on. See you on the Big Course one day GW.
March 24, 2013
Norland King
Bill
Thank you for giving Donna many years with a warm home filled with love and fun times.
March 24, 2013
Ardis Shelton
So sorry to hear that now your father has passed away, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
March 24, 2013
Kandie (Guyette) Thomson
Growing up next door to the Horton family was one of my favorite childhood memories. I remember many wonderful stories, advise and Sunday rides that he would take the kids and me on. I especially have never forgotten the story about listening to the birds early each morning, which I now find myself doing the same.
I feel very blessed to have had Bill in my life, he will be missed by many.
March 23, 2013
Donna Rauter
He always had good story's to tell . He loved passing out his business card which Shelee keep them coming as he was always running out of. He would sit quietly and come back with the best poems.will miss him greatly.
March 23, 2013
Vika Hansen
I new Uncle Bill for the past 14 years. I loved him like my own father or brother...
I think, people like G.W. should live forever or to be cloned!
All American Patriot, hard worker, good husband, Dad and Grandpa, fun , good looking and had the most great stories form the past! Could never tired to listen... Only wish , I had more time to spend with him... I will miss you, uncle. Vika
March 23, 2013
Judy Edwards
We all look forward when George would enter the Keno lounge at Angel of the Winds. We all knew he had a cute joke or a fun story to tell us. We really got spoiled with the homemade cookies and the chocolate peanut clusters George was so proud of those yummy treats. George will always be a part of us in the Keno Lounge and will be very much missed. Judy Edwards
Angel of the Winds
March 21, 2013
Danni Engberg
We all just lost a great man. I loved all the stories he would tell me always making me laugh. He will be missed by all. Love you GW.
March 21, 2013
Rick Ninomiya
Growing up with the Horton kids I will always remember GW for his humor and positive approach to life. As one of Scott's best friends growing up, GW always made sure I felt like the Horton home was my second home. He would tell a story or give me advice and have that special twinkle in his eye as he looked over his glasses and winked at me. GW supplied Scott with coolest hotrods and being Scott's friend I always got to ride to school. I can remember days out on Lake Washington in the Thunderbird boat or spending Saturdays with Scott down at Smith Gandy where GW would always give us some lunch money and let us loose on the town. We will all miss you GW, Rick Ninomiya
March 20, 2013
Betty Payne
GW, Reggie and I always looked forward to your phone calls. You always had a story to tell. We will always remember the good time that you and Donna and the family showed us when we came to visit you. We loved you very much, you were a great uncle.
Reggie and Betty Payne Kershaw, S.C.
March 18, 2013
Paul and Juliette Treckeme
I will alway's treasure our time together on the course and at all those Romeo meetings and like so many others all those jokes and stories we exchanged. I'm sure G.W. is working hard to get things ready for all his friends. Hope to see you ............
March 18, 2013
Monica Sattler
Sometimes we are lucky to meet incrediable people - Bill Horton was a person that lit up a room. I am so thankful we had the chance to know Bill. I will miss his stories - their is a huge hole in the world. We are all better for having known this very sweet man. God speed G.W....
Monica, Dale, Megan & Rachel.
March 17, 2013
It has been my honor to have known GW, although he was known as Bill to Mimi and I. I'll nerver forget the first time we met. I was marshalling on the golf course one Friday afternoon, when a voice rang out, " can I drive a load of lumber down the cart path ". It was Bill, they had just moved in and were going to build a closed in deck, I said why not. That was the beginning of a lasting friendship, plus exchanging many quarters after many rounds of golf.
Rest in piece my friend.....All our love...Bernie & Mimi Caufman
March 17, 2013
Shelee King George
When my mom met GW, she glowed from the inside out. I still remember the night she called to tell me he had asked her to marry him. I was so happy to have such a wonderful man for my step dad. 35 years later, I still adore him and can hear his words of wisdom in my head and feel them in my heart. I have been blessed to have his support, his guidance, and his unconditional love. GW, you will live in my heart forever.
March 16, 2013
Donna Horton
GW
I miss you sweetheart but what a great time we've had. We have such a wonderful blended family that we love so much. You are part of my heart forever. Save a place on that fluffy cloud, honey. I'll be joining you soon. Love,
Donna Jeanne
March 15, 2013
Dick Carlton
Known by our family for only a few short years, G.W. was a self-made man, very determined, honest spoken, open minded, and a kind and caring Man. He leaves a lasting memory for family and the many he befriended.
G. W., you will be missed by all. We feel he lived by his Navy motto;
" Non sibi sed patriae " (not self but country ) May God bless your family!
Dick and Jane Carlton and Family
March 14, 2013
Linda Cantrell
Today is indeed a sad day as I watch the sunset and remember. Remember how Bill made my 6 year old son, Adam, and me feel welcome and safe in our new home next door to him and Donna in 1983. Adam felt he had a new pair of grandparents he could visit, share school stories, show off as skateboarder and at 32 grow into a dad. We always knew we were both loved by Bill and Donna and that we could ask for help or advice at any time! Bill, was a one of a kind guy, full of life, stories, and kindness! He held a key place in our lives as his next door neighbors! Many conversations with Bill still echo in my heart! Good-Bye to our loving Bill, I know you are telling stories up there in the blue yonder!
March 14, 2013
Billy Pierre
I shared many laughs with Bill and I always enjoyed my time spent with him whether at work, fishing, playing cards, golfing, or the best, listening to his "Pearls of Wisdom!" Beyond any doubt he was one of the best examples of a gentleman I ever knew. I will never forget my last visit with him a few weeks ago and listening to some more "Peals of Wisdom." It was after eating some of Donna's delicious cookies and laughing our heads off, Bill made the following statement- "Billy, it has been a great life and I have enjoyed every moment I had spending time with you and your brother but you know what- it's time for me to check out." It was a sad statement but he added his typical humor when making it. I will remember this until it is my time to do the same. Again, he was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known- in a class of his own!
March 14, 2013
Jim & Carolyn Keith
Our sympathy and condolences go out to the Horton family and his many friends. You have lost a great story teller and one-of-a-kind guy. We enjoyed meeting and working with him on the outdoor deck as well as stopping for a quick chat on the way up the fairway.
March 14, 2013
Dianne Harlan
May he rest in Peace on the right hand of the Father God. May you cherish his memories and not forget his love for you and yours for him. May you all celebrate his journey here on earth as he starts his new journey in the next.
March 14, 2013
The Daltons
We miss you, Great Grampa Bill.
March 14, 2013
David Haugen
It was my pleaseure to receive wonderful support and friendship over more than four decades from Bill. I am glad that he had such a great long life with his family. We will all miss him.
March 13, 2013
Judy Horton Whetstone
Telling stories seem to run in the Horton family. Especially with G. W. and his brother Nick (my dad). Some of our families' fondest memories are their stories. I know you will cherish them. They were two great gentlemen and fathers.
March 13, 2013
Judy Horton Whetstone
Telling stories seem to run in the Horton family. Especially with G. W. and his brother (my dad Nick). They will always be remembered for that. Our families' fondest memories are all those stories. They were two great respected gentlemen and fathers.
March 12, 2013
Scot Horton
Dad, it is so hard for me to really believe that you are gone. I got advice from you every day, heard one of your stories every day, and I always left the conversation in better shape than when we started it. You will be missed by so many, you are loved by even more. Love you dad.
sCOtLINda
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