George William Rodkey

Early Wednesday morning, Nov. 30, 2022, Dr. George William Rodkey passed away at his assisted living home in Hayden, Idaho. George, an amazing husband, father, brother, physician and friend died one month shy of 100.

Joining three older brothers, George was born at home in December 1922 in eastern Colorado to Joseph Verne Rodkey and Helen Elizabeth Piper Rodkey. Three younger sisters followed before the family relocated to Post Falls, Idaho in 1934. The family farmed, logged and raised chickens for their livelihood and made music for enjoyment. Before attending Whitworth College, George delivered eggs weekly to Deaconess Hospital in Spokane.

At Whitworth, George sang in the Men’s and Mixed Quartets until the Navy transferred him to Whitman College. There, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Howard. The couple married in 1945 and moved to Detroit, where George studied medicine at Wayne State University. After his Navy service, he practiced medicine in Seattle, the directed hospitals in Arkansas and Spokane, before transitioning to private practice. He and Dorothy retired to their Post Falls river home in 1991.

Through the years, George and Dorothy were involved in several churches, and served on Union Gospel Mission Board, participated in Gideons and supported many Christian organizations and ministries. George was loved dearly by his family and friends who he blessed with his generosity, care and humility. He was kind, gentle and genuine, a good listener who also loved to make people laugh (or cry) with his seemingly unending supply of jokes.

George was preceded in death by two sisters: Elizabeth McNeal and infant Mary Jane Rodkey, and three brothers: Grant, Lee and John Rodkey. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 77 years; sister Kathryn Russell; six children Chris (Lee) Shaver, George Rodkey, Diane (Larry) Gadbaugh, John (Jeanne) Rodkey, Grant (Kimberley) Rodkey and Mark (Greta) Rodkey; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at Valley Assembly Church at 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99037. The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend https://youtu.be/YU176FRJJDo  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Union Gospel Mission or Gideons International.

English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’ Alene has been entrusted with final arrangements 208-664-3143.