George W. Steinsiek ended his life journey with family at his side on Dec. 3, 2012, at his Oak Harbor home after a one-and-a-half year struggle with cancer.

George was born Oct. 22, 1951, at Bultman’s maternity home in Oak Harbor, the son of A. H. and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Steinsiek. With the exception of a couple of years in Arizona and Colorado, he grew up on Whidbey Island, playing in the woods and on the beach near the family home. George was a member of DeMolay in the 1960s, and achieved the position of Master Councilor. He graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1970, and continued to live on the island. He was a Union Carpenter for 37 years and worked in construction. He installed refrigeration units in Costco stores from Hawaii to Florida. After his retirement in 2006, he was self-employed doing the work he loved, outdoors, on his tractor.

George could see the humor in just about anything, and enjoyed telling jokes on himself. He was a talented carpenter, building his own garage, deck, gazebo and crafts room. He was a Chevy truck man to the core, and a fan of NASCAR and the Mariners. He was also a natural cook, whether in the kitchen or at his grills, and many a family gathering was enriched by his culinary talents. George had some bad breaks in life, but overcame them and was always ready to lend a hand to others. He was a generous and loving son, husband, brother, uncle and step-father.

He is survived by his love Patty, whom he married in Hawaii in 2001; his parents Al and Elizabeth, of Oak Harbor; his brothers Paul (Sumiko) and Philip (Evon), also of Oak Harbor; his sister Kathryn (Harvey) Lord of Connecticut; his step-daughter Michelle (Shawn) Boyer and her family; step-sons

Kyle (Vy) and Bryan Lynch; three grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and his four-legged pal, Buddy.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16 at Burleys Funeral Chapel, in Oak Harbor.

Thank you to Hospice of the Northwest for all the care and family support provided.