George F. Katica, a former Vashon Islander, died Feb. 4, 2003, in Tucson, Az. He was 82 years old.

He was born Jan 29, 1921, in Seattle.

Mr. Katica graduated from O’Dea High School and served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during WWII.

He was active in business for many years, concluding his career as principal owner of American Lumber Mfg, Inc, of Tacoma and Sumner.

With Annie, his wife of 58 years, he maintained homes in Tucson and on Vashon Island.

A sportsman all his life, George enjoyed duck hunting and salmon fishing in Puget Sound. He was an avid golfer, a founding member of the Vashon Golf and Country Club, a long time member of the Fir Crest Golf Club, an active current member of the Vashon Club and the Sun City Vistoso Golf Club, and a member of both the Southern Arizona and Washington Seniors Golf Associations.

Survivors include his wife, Annie; daughter Susie, and her husband, Rich Murphy, of Seattle; son Bill, and his wife, Marcia Katica, of Tacoma; son Bob, and his wife Nancy Katica, of Vashon; sisters Mary Ann Boyle of Seattle and Mildred Cunningham of San Jose, CA; eight grandchildren, Kevin, and his wife Claudine Kim-Murphy; Christine and Stephen Murphy; Annie, Megan, and Mary Katica; Charlie and Alison Katica; and two great grandchildren, Kieran and Camryn Kim-Murphy.

A memorial Mass is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb 20, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Seattle.

The family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Hospitality Kitchen in Tacoma, 1323 South Yakima Ave., Tacoma, Wash. 98405, or to a charity of your choice.