George Major Carnie, 90

George Major Carnie of Colville, Wash., passed away at the age of 90 on Dec 22, 2022. George was born and raised in Mica Flats, Idaho, to Charles and Alice Carnie, the third of six children, Nov. 8, 1932. He attended Coeur d’Alene High School and married Nellie Clark after their high school graduation in 1952. Together, they had four children. George joined the Army and fought in the Korean War. After returning, he attended the University of Idaho obtaining his BS in Agriculture and then Utah State University where he obtained his Masters and Ed.D. In 1969, he married Deanna Corless. During their marriage, they worked to escort children out of Vietnam, from 1972-75 which resulted in the adoption of four children. In 1980, they moved to Colville where he was known as Dr. Carnie, principal of Aster School. Dr. Carnie was best known for creating the “Good Kid’s Book” where hundreds of students signed the book after being recognized for doing good deeds and actions. This exemplified George’s approach to life: seeing the best in others. George loved to travel with his family, especially to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, he taught at the University of Hawaii as well as Gonzaga when he was back in Colville. He was a farmer at heart and raised chickens, cows and horses. He loved horseback riding and sleigh riding in the winter. George was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served as Bishop for seven years.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alice; first wife, Nellie; wife, Deanna; three sisters, Marybelle, June and Shirley; two sons, Ronald and Zachary; and daughter Pamela. He is survived by two brothers, John of Post Falls, Idaho, and Duncan (Laura) of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his children, S. Mitch (Ruthie) of Elk Grove, Calif.; Sharon (Pete) of McCall, Idaho; Malia of Spokane, Wash.; Lorie (Mitch) of Tucson, Ariz.; and Landon of Hoi An, Vietnam, as well as numerous grandchildren. George was laid to rest in Colville next to his wife, Deanna.

A memorial will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Church in Colville.

On behalf of our family, we would like to thank Colville Elks Lodge #1753, Colville VFW, Stevens County Veterans Fund, and the Dominion Meadows Golf Course Veterans Fund for their support of ensuring of a proper burial, and to Danekas Funeral Chapel for their kindness and care of our dad. We express our deepest appreciation to Kelly Glidewell and Dr. Randy Sandaine for their unwavering dedication and care towards our father. Most importantly, our heartfelt gratitude goes to Peter McCombs and Terry Williams who cared for our dad until the end of his life. We are forever grateful for your gentle and loving service.