George Harvey Oatman, 88

1926 - 2015

George Harvey Oatman passed away at his home in Meridian, Idaho, on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015, in the presence of family and surrounded by love.

George was born in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on April 27, 1926, and was the youngest of Claude and Ethel Oatman's four children. He graduated from North Central High School in Spokane, Wash., in 1944. As a sophomore, he met his future bride and love of his life, Helen Marie Fullenwider. After high school he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in April, 1946. George and Helen were married in July of 1946.

In 1948 they moved to Orange County, Calif., where George worked with his father-in-law in joint ownership of a furniture store. By 1958 and three children later, George was working for Alpha Beta Markets, and in 1960 was awarded a Food Distribution scholarship at the University of Southern California. By 1962 George was a store manager and then in 1968 was promoted to Director of Advertising.

The family moved to Saratoga in northern California in 1973, where George was made vice president of the Northern California Division of Alpha Beta Markets. By 1980 he was Senior Vice President of NCD, and retired in August 1986 after 28 years of service. Following his brief retirement from Alpha Beta, George became president of Rosauers Supermarkets in Spokane, Wash.

George and Helen retired to Carlin Bay on Lake Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, where they lived for 30 years. George enjoyed fishing, reading, woodwork projects, and annual "snow bird" trips to Hawaii with Helen, as well as visits from family and friends. George served as the fire commissioner for the East Side Volunteer Fire District from 1999-2012.

Every life leaves a legacy, and George is survived by his wife of 68 years, Helen Marie; as well as their three children - Jill Wood, Chris Oatman, and Heidi Parrish; 10 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; two sisters; and several nieces and nephews. His oldest sister, Frances Hayes, preceded George in death. He will always remain in our hearts.

A celebration of George's life will be held in Coeur d'Alene the summer of 2016.

Memorial contributions may be made in George's name to: East Side Fire Station #2, Arrow Point, 20338 Hwy 97, Harrison, Idaho 83833.