Dr. George Thomas Fraley, 88, of Nine Mile Falls, WA, peacefully passed away on October 4, 2021, surrounded by his family while in care at North Spokane Hospice. On December 5, 1932, George was born in Seattle, WA, to Neva Gibbs Fraley and George Joseph Fraley.
George attended Loyal Heights grade school, James Monroe Jr. High, then graduated from Ballard High School in 1951. He attended the University of Washington and UW Dental School, graduating in 1958. While in college, he joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and was a member of Delta Sigma Delta. During college, George went to Alaska during the summers to commercial fish. This left a lifelong impression upon him, giving him many humorous and nail-biting anecdotes about fishing and flying in Alaska.
Soon after graduation, he opened a Seattle practice and was offered a teaching position at the UW Dental School. Yet, Alaska called him again, moving there in 1961 with Judy Cannon Fraley. He began a thriving dental practice while participating in many dental organizations and local elected roles, driving growth and prosperity in the state capital. Also, George and Judy adopted two beautiful children, Lisa and Ryan, to make their family complete.
George’s sense of adventure and altruism led him to Project Hope in 1972. He taught Brazilian dental students and treated many children and adults with chronic dental issues.
In 1979 the family moved to Friday Harbor, WA, where he opened another private dental practice. During his free time, George officiated 2B/1B football, coached Friday Harbor HS football, and helped grow the Friday Harbor Athletic Association. In addition, he loved golfing, traveling with family, volunteering with Lion’s Club, lunching with friends (No-Name Club), and collecting Pacific NW artifacts.
George is survived by his dear wife Judy of 66 years, his children Lisa and Ryan. Also, six grandchildren (Kelsey, Shelby, Hannah, Morgan, Hope, and Ryan) and three great-grandchildren (Gavyn, Maddison, and Damian).