George W. Kott died peacefully at his home in Oak Harbor on Aug. 22, 2007 at the age of 75. He was born on Sept. 26, 1931 in Pittsburgh, Penn., to Michael and Thelma Jane (Chick) Kott. Most of his family worked in the coal mines in Pennsylvania.

George attended Catholic boarding school as a young man. He completed his high school education at Massillon, Ohio and enjoyed playing the trumpet in the jazz band at school.

In 1949, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and began a 30-year career as a Marine. His dreams of serving as a fighting Marine were altered when his first assignment was to serve in the Marines Drum and Bugle Corps. He was also assigned to guarding top secret computer equipment at Treasure Island. Much to his delight, he was soon transferred to the Marine Reconnaissance Team, the Marines’ counterpart to the Navy Seals. George served two tours with the Marines in Korea during the Korean War.

George was assigned to the USS Princeton CV-37, an Essex Class Carrier, reclassified as an Amphibious Assault Carrier (LPH-5) and outfitted with Marine helicopters. While the Princeton was in port in August 1960, the ship hosted a family flotilla harbor cruise. One of the guests aboard that day was Marjorie Rohrer, a guest of a military dependent. Marjorie was introduced to George and a romance soon blossomed. On Nov. 10, 1960, they were married in Ontario, Calif. The Kotts would have celebrated their 47th anniversary this November.

George continued his Marine service as a helicopter Crew and Maintenance Chief in the Air Wing of the Marines. He served two, 14-month deployments to Vietnam during the Vietnam War, much of his time on combat missions.

In 1974, George was transferred to the Marine Helicopter Units aboard NAS Whidbey Island. Oak Harbor became home to the Kott family. George completed the last tour as a Marine in El Toro. He retired as a Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) with 30 years of service.

George was not a person to stop work and he soon began a second career as a member of the Quality Assurance team at Boeing. He was responsible for inspections of Boeing’s fleet of commercial aircraft. He had the opportunity to audit the upgrades to Air Force One and Two at the Boeing plant and to interact with the Secret Service teams accompanying the aircraft.

George completed 30 years with Boeing, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed spending time in the timeshare he and Marjorie had purchased in Cancun, Mexico. For many years, George enjoyed freshwater fishing. He often attended the USS Princeton reunions. Most of all, George was deeply committed to his family.

George is survived by his wife Marjorie at the family home, by daughter Michele Kott, also of Oak Harbor and son Michael Kott of Seattle. One son Sgt. Paul R. Kott, USMC, preceded him in death.

Funeral services for George Kott were held at Family Bible Church, Oak Harbor on Saturday, Aug. 25, with Rev. Ron Lawler and Rev. Ron Willis officiating. Military honors followed under the auspices of the U. S. Marine Corps, NAS Whidbey Island and the Marine League of Whidbey Island. Interment will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.