The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

George Kohout was born in Mason City (Coulee Dam) in 1945 to Ladd Anton Kohout and Avanell Frances Beck. He passed on to the Lord on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

He lived in the Grand Coulee area all his life. His father, Ladd, died when George was very young. Eventually, Avanell married L.J. Flowers, a wonderful Texan father to George and his siblings.

Growing up, George loved chasing cows and riding at the Alling ranch, his second family. He graduated as a Grand Coulee Tiger in 1963, went on the Wenatchee Valley College for more education and served in the Marines.

George also joined the Grand Coulee Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1966, was a Firefighter/EMT and retired in 1995 as Fire Chief. During that time, he also started his work career with the Bureau of Reclamation as a surveyor, warehouse worker, and finally retired as a Power Plant Operations Dispatcher after almost 39 years.

George met Diane online in 2009 and they were married in 2010 in Texas, the beginning of a beloved marriage. They both loved country music, travel, playing poker and cribbage, watching old westerns, and lots of fun time with family and friends.

George also worked diligently for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation , the Ridge Rider Club and Colorama Rodeo for many years, and was a true patriot American.

A life well lived and well loved. Ride free cowboy!

Survived by his loving wife Diane, brother Ladd (Linda), sister Debbie (Craig), step-sister Deborah (Ken), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, his faithful dog Bud, and his "first and last" cat Tony.

A Gathering to honor George will be held on Saturday, September 23 at the Ridge Riders Rodeo arena at 11 a.m.