George Meacock

George Meacock Jr. was born on Dec. 22, 1931, at the Chilkat Barracks Hospital in Haines, Alaska. He grew up watching soldiers march on the Parade Grounds. At age 9, he herded cows for Doc "PB" Allen along the Chilkat River. In 1945, Doc Allen wanted to buy dairy cattle in Alberta, he chose George, age 14, to accompany him. They requested permission from Washington, D.C., to travel the uncompleted and unpaved Alcan Highway. It took months to receive the confirmation letter. They overnighted and sometimes ate at the Army Construction Camps. The day after high school graduation, he hitchiked to Anchorage, Alaska, and worked at the new Alaska Railroad before he was drafted into the Army, serving at Ft Richardson. He became a Local 751 Ironworker in '55, and pointed with pride to the bridges and buildings he worked on. He married Gladys in 1975, and helped raise Sheryl (Rick Main) and Mark. he was an avid CB'er, "Slewfoot" and Ham Radio operator, "NL7RD and CQ'ed with "Ham's" all over the world. When he and Gladys became snowbirds, he played his accordion in Senior Centers across the country to the delight of many. In 2006, Alzheimer's slowed him down but he fought a valiant battle with the help of Mark and daily visits from his brother-in-law, Patrick Andrews. He was greatly missed by Gladys, Sheryl (Rick Main) and Mark; and four grandchildren, Crystal Kensinger, Summer Ulrich, Geordon Main and Amanda Moody; and six great-grandchildren, Eli and Grace Kensinger, Callie, Dax, ShaeLynn Main and Caden Moody. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and George Meacock; and his ashes will be spread on Mt. Ripinsky in Haines. The family gives heartfelt thanks to Providence Hospice and request, if desired, donations in lieu of flowers be given to them. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.