Dr. George Nesheim
(1925 - 2005)
George Victor Nesheim, 80, of Richland, WA, died Saturday, November 12, 2005, from complications following a heart attack.
George was the second of three children born to Victor and Sarah (Cummings) Nesheim. He was born in Decorah, Iowa; later moved with his family to Jefferson, Iowa, where he grew up and graduated from high school. in 1943. He joined the Navy and graduated from Midshipmen’s School, Northwestern University, as an Ensign in 1944, and served aboard the USS West Virginia. Following the war, he attended the University of Iowa and graduated in 1948 with a BS degree in Business Administration. After 12 years in the business world in Iowa and Colorado, he enrolled in the School of Optometry, Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon and graduated as a Doctor of Optometry in 1964.
Optometry was his life-long interest. His career began in The Dalles, Oregon, followed by a move in 1968 to Bainbridge Island, Washington, where he opened a private practice and later opened an additional office in Kingston, Washington. His retirement in 1996 gave him the time to actively participate in Volunteer Optometry Service to Humanity (VOSH), an organization whose members travel to third world countries to provide eye care and glasses to those in need. This service was so satisfying to him he often participated in two trips annually. A majority of the trips were to Central and South America which fueled his desire to converse with patients in their language. He enrolled in classes in Spanish through the local Recreation Department, and while he never became as proficient as he wished to be, he enjoyed the challenge. In addition to his daily language lessons George resurrected his interest in riding a bicycle which led to participating in the Register’s annual bicycle ride across the state of Iowa. At the age of 76 and again at 78 he led “Team George” on the 7-day 450+ mile bicycle ride accompanied by one of his daughters and a grandson.
Dr. Nesheim was a life-long member of the Episcopal Church and served in many capacities on both the local and Diocesan level. He was an advocate of practicing stewardship in all aspects of daily life and was constantly trying to find ways to spread this philosophy. His interest in learning to speak Spanish led to his loving participation and support of the fledgling Latino Episcopal Church (Iglesia Episcopal de nuestro Salvador) in Pasco, WA.
Dr. Nesheim met his wife, Joanna, at the University of Iowa. They were married in 1950 and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with their family in May 2005. He is survived by his wife and their six children: Kristine Powell (Bill) of Richland, WA; Elizabeth Simson (Larry) and Leslie Noborikawa (Ron) of Bonney Lake, WA; Marta Thackeray (Jim) of McCall, ID; David Nesheim (Bonnie) of Kodiak, AK; and Nancy Nesheim of Seattle; eleven grandchildren: Daniel, Brian, and Kaitlin Powell; Tyler and Justin Simson; Megan and Ryan Noborikawa; Samuel and Britta Thackeray; Jordan and Olivia Nesheim; and his two sisters: Frances Markham (John) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Ruth Smith of Harlingen, Texas as well as many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Glenn Smith.
A memorial service will be held at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Richland, at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 3, 2005. His final resting place will be with his parents in Poulsbo, Washington. In lieu of flowers George would want memorial contributions to be addressed to School of Optometry, Scholarship Fund, Pacific University, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116, or to All Saint’s Episcopal Church, for Iglesia Episcopal de nuestro Salvador, 1322 Kimball, Richland, WA 99354.
