George Racely

George Jackson Racely, 89, of Great Falls, MT passed away June 10, 2014 at Grandview. George had dermatomyositis, subsequent diabetes, and Alzheimers. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father and grandfather.George Jackson Racely was born December 3, 1924 to Dr. George Andrew and Lida (Couch) Racely in Lincoln, Nebraska. George grew up in Nebraska including residing in Crawford and York, towns where his father was Mayor. He graduated from High School in Niobrara, Nebraska and when he turned age 18, enlisted in the army, serving his country in World War II in the European and Pacific theaters. After honorable discharge, 1946, following a tour in Japan, George taught school for a year in Niobrara and then moved to Idaho. He established residency through employment in Avery and subsequently attended the University of Idaho in Moscow where he met his wife, Dorris Jensen (August 12, 1950: 63 years of marriage) and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in forestry. He was a fraternity brother in Phi Gamma Delta.After graduation he worked all over Montana as a professional forester in lands management for the U.S. Forest Service until retiring in 1982. At that time the couple resided in Great Falls, Montana and he pursued a second career as title examiner employed by First American Title Company until age 75.He was a Mason and Shriner, Al Bedoo Shrine (Billings), Cascade Lodge, and Scottish Rite (Great Falls) receiving his 50 year masonic pin in April of 2014. He was a strong supporter of DeMolay, chaperoning and mentoring members.He enjoyed many activities, loved the outdoors, car mechanic, gardened, completed many architectural home improvements, and downhill skied with his two children. His son, Andrew Victor, who passed away at the age of 52 in 2009, went on to be an extreme skier and was filmed by Warren Miller. His daughter, Christine Racely Brown is an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner and practiced full scope midwifery for 25 years. Dorris graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the same time as George from the University of Idaho. She was his helpmate in every sense of the word: moving to the backwoods of Idaho and Montana, supporting his careers and keeping house and home together. He was very personable and generous with reports of: George will always go the extra mile to help you.He is survived by his wife, Dorris of Great Falls MT; daughter Christine of Spokane WA; and grandchildren Dr. Violet Brown Swain of England and Olivia Rose Brown of Spokane, WA.We have many wonderful memories of George and his contributions during his lifetime; he will be missed.Memorial contribution can be sent to AL BEDOO SHRINE HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION FUND, 1125 Broadwater Ave, Billings, MT 59102