George M. Carroll passed away August 25, 2008 in Mount Vernon, Washington at age 91. George was born in Missoula, Montana on May 25, 1917 to Charles P. and Flora (McDonald) Carroll, the family home being in Helmville at that time. His early youth was spent in Drummond, Montana after which the family lived in small towns in Eastern Washington and North Idaho where his father managed Morrow Retail Stores. His school years began in Drummond, followed by Burke, Idaho, then Dayton and Fairfield, Washington. After his junior year of high school, he and a friend made a trip to take in Chicago's Century of Progress World's Fair and visit relatives. The trip itself was eventful, having "hopped the freights and rode the rails." The boys also attended a baseball game while in Chicago and saw Babe Ruth play. George graduated from high school in Mullan, Idaho in 1934, lettering in basketball and earning his Eagle Scout badge. During the summer following graduation, along with other young fellows in need of jobs, he worked in the blister-rust camps in the pine forests of North Idaho earning enough money to go on to the University of Idaho for a year. In 1935, he began his career in the bus transportation industry in Missoula starting as a ticket clerk for Intermountain Transportation and later becoming travelling passenger agent for Washington Motor Coach Company in their head office in Seattle. George enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and received his navigator's wings in February 1943. Before he went overseas, he had the dubious honor of joining the Caterpillar Club, having parachuted from a plane in a life-saving situation during a training flight. He flew 30 missions in B-17s from a base in Molesworth, England with the 303rd Bombardier Group in 1943-1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice. While at the Molesworth base, George had the distinct honor of briefing the then Queen Elizabeth as to the activities of the 303rd. King George VI and their teen-age daughter Princess Elizabeth (current queen) were present also. After the war, returning to Washington Motor Coach, he met Dorothy Grimm and they were married in Seattle on May 29, 1947. They moved to Portland where George had been transferred as district passenger agent. After living in Portland and Vancouver, Washington for 2 ½ years he resigned from the company to become commission agent for Greyhound in Mount Vernon in December 1950. Later, Jim McClellan became a partner in the agency and they built the bus depot on South 2nd Street in 1959. They retired and sold the business in 1981 after having worked together since 1935, except for the time they both served their country in World War II. In the meantime, the Carroll family grew to include six sons. George and Dorothy always felt education was important and helped see all of their sons through college and beyond for advanced degrees. Their sons and wives have since presented them with 16 wonderful grandchildren. George always enjoyed his walks and golfed regularly until age 86. He especially enjoyed making his one and only hole-in-one in 1989. George and Dorothy made numerous trips throughout the United States including Hawaii, as well as several Air Force Retirees reunions and Europe. George participated in the Spokane Bloomsday 12K Run/Walk for 11 years with his sons, some of their wives and grandchildren up until his 81st birthday. 19 members of his immediate family participated one year. Much fun was also had with friends on golfing outings in Oregon and Lake Chelan. George was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and has served as a member of the Parish Council and as an usher at Immaculate Conception Church. After retiring, he volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for 20 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy, and their 6 sons and daughters-in-law and 16 grandchildren Charles (Cindy), their children Scott (Ashley), Ted, Terry and Rob; Jim (Lori), Kevin and Leigh (Shie): Doug (Marilyn), Christine and Cathleen; Bill (Laurie), Brian, Colleen and Dennis; Terry (Rosario), Sam, Miguel and Antonio; Chris (Rebecca), Megan and Alex. George is predeceased by his two sisters, Dorothy Gribble and Florence Brass and is survived as well by several nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Immaculate Conception Regional School Endowment Fund, Skagit Hospice or charity of your choice. Viewing will be Thursday, August 28th between 10 AM and 5 PM at Hawthorne Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Friday, August 29th at 12:15 PM at Immaculate Conception Church 110 S. 5th St. Mount Vernon. Following the Funeral Mass a Committal Service will be held at Hawthorne Memorial Park with a reception to follow at St. Joseph Center.