George E. Deegan, 90

George E. Deegan, 1923-2014

The Deegan family is sad to announce the passing of our patriarch, George Eugene Deegan, a long time resident of Hayden, at the age of 90. 

George was born and grew up in Spokane, Wash., and served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard during the latter part of WWII, which is when he met his wife-to-be. After the war, George attended college and received his bachelor's degree in engineering from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash. He returned to active duty during the Korean War, and was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, and honorably discharged at the end of the war with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.

Upon returning to civilian life, George found employment in the then, new, Held of Nuclear Energy Research, and continued in this field until his retirement in the late 1980's. He then returned to the greater Spokane area where he was raised.

A lover of the outdoors, George regularly enjoyed camping, fishing and skiing with his wife and family. He was a good, honest and decent man, loved by many, and will be greatly missed.

George was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Wilma Marie; daughter, Patricia; and son, Patrick. He is survived by sons Daniel, Michael and John.

A memorial gathering will be held from 3:30–5 p.m., today, May 2, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel and Gathering Center, Hayden, Idaho. Please visit George’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com, and sign his guest book.