George M Sallwasser, October 9, 1926- May 27, 2023 died at home surrounded and loved by family, Jean Sallwasser, Martie (Paul) Metzler, Barb (Dee) Ridenhour; grandchildren, Benjamin Metzler (Diana Sun), Elizabeth Metzler (PJ Gorham), Lisa Robinson, Steve (Kim) Ridenhour, 7 great grandchildren, 7 great, great grandchildren, sister-in-law, 4 nieces, 3 nephews, and multiples of great nieces and nephews. He leaves many dear friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

During WWll George, 17 years old, enlisted to serve. When his unit shipped off to Europe, he was sent to the Special Army Training Program in Civil Engineering at Stanford University. After the war, as a civilian, he earned an MA from Harvard Engineering School. In 1949 he married Jean Coombs, a classmate from Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School. After several moves around the south and midwest, they settled in Kirkwood with their two daughters in 1962. During his career at Horner & Shifrin Consulting Engineers, he received recognition for finding creative solutions to various environmental engineering problems. He retired in 1986 to pursue international travel with Jean, exploring Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Although they loved Italy for adventure, they favored the Caribbean for relaxation and returned 20 times to Virgin Gorda, where he windsurfed, sailed, and snorkeled. Visiting family in New York at the age of 65 he decided to take up skiing with his grandson, and eventually conquered the slopes in Sun Valley, Utah where he was given a free pass for skiers over 70.

Travel piqued his interest in art so he studied to become a docent at the St Louis Art Museum where enjoyed travel to world museums with the other docents. He led SLAM tours for many years, especially took delight to introduce school children to the treasures there. He was also active in square dancing, the Alzheimers Association, and Trinity Presbyterian Church in U-City where he served as an officer, and taught Sunday School. Together with Jean he chaired national meetings,

In 2013 Jean and George became original residents in the new 711 Building at Laclede Groves. They were active community members and over the years he participated in water volleyball, shuffleboard, Wii bowling, Wii golf, Wise Buys, various bridge groups. He volunteered in the Ice Cream Parlor, the Friendly Neighbor Program, and wheel chair transport of residents. They treasure the friendship of their Laclede Groves neighbors.

Above all George considered himself a “family man”. April 18th he and Jean celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary. He never lost interest in his family and the new generations he welcomed. At his 93rd birthday, George was asked what words of advice he would give his family and friends to live by. His answer, “Love one another.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St Louis Art Museum, Forest Park Forever or The IMSE Endowment Fund of LSS (provides assistance to residents to remain at Laclede Groves when needed)

The family will receive friends to share memories on June 8th between 2-4pm at Laclede Oaks Meeting Room, Laclede Groves Senior Living, 723 Laclede Station Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119.

 **Directions to Meeting Room:

• Follow signs for “Memorial Service Parking” to Public Garage or Employee Parking.
• From Garage: enter building through center elevator. Use the kiosk to call Security. Take elevator to ground floor and follow signs.
• From Employee Parking Lot: Enter at 729 door (under the skybridge). Take  elevator to 1st floor and follow signs.