George C. Silides Sr.'s Obituary
George Constantine Silides Sr. died peacefully at his home surrounded by family and holding the hand of his wife Dorothy in Escondido California on February 17, 2022. George was 99 years old, passing only four months before his 100th birthday, after a long, successful and adventurous life.
George was born in New York City on June 28, 1922, the eldest of four children born to Greek immigrant parents. He was always proud of his Greek heritage. He attended the academically elite Stuyvesant High School in New York City, graduating at the age of 16. After working in Manhattan for a few years, George achieved his goal of receiving Congressional Nomination and selection to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1946 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering.
Following active duty Army service, George traveled from New York to Fairbanks Alaska to work for the Fairbanks Exploration (FE) Company/U.S. Smelting Refining & Mining Company (USSR&MC).
George married Ruth Ogburn in 1950 and had five children, all born in Fairbanks. He built the family home in Weeks Field Townsite in 1954.
George spent his entire career helping to develop the physical, political and economic infrastructure of Alaska. Among his many accomplishments were planning for the new townsite of Valdez after the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, building a regional petroleum dock and seawall at Bethel, developing infrastructure on Ladd Army Airfield (now Fort Wainwright) and surveying the route for Chena Hot Springs Road. George served in the Alaska State Senate 1973-1974, and was involved in planning for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and related fiscal policy.
In retirement, George moved to Escondido, California. He continued to pursue his passion of traveling the world. He always made a point of learning about the economic and political climates of the places he visited. His last extensive trip was a cruise to Asia in 2019 at the age of 97. When not traveling, he was active in his local community.
George is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Mary Hope Johnston (Brad), and four sons Robert (Alyce), George Jr. (Hunter), David (Vicki), and Nicholas (Jolea). He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service and burial will be in Escondido California.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hillsdale College (www.hillsdale.edu) or a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?
