Rouches passes away after battle with cancer

George was born in Milwaukee, Wisc. on Aug. 24, 1934 to Peter Rouches, a restaurateur and shoemaker, and Antonia Burnazos Rouches. He was the youngest of six children.

George was a very hard worker, outstanding athlete and avid sportsman. He excelled in swimming, gymnastics and track, and was a talented artist as well. But golf was his passion. While attending Boys Tech High School, George was a pole-vaulting champion. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and received his Masters in teaching at the University of New Mexico, Las Cruces.

George began his career as a physical education teacher and moved to Portland, Ore., in 1963, with his first wife Phylis, where he went to work at the family-owned Portland Bottling Company, starting as a route salesman and retiring as president in 1990. After leaving Portland Bottling Company, George became the Director of Marketing for Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Cornelius, Oregon. He was instrumental in developing Pumpkin Ridge into a world-class golf course. He became the General Manager of Hood River’s Indian Creek Golf Club in 1996.

In 1990, George married Linda Jensen, and they shared a life in Hood River with family and friends. George laughed often and loved much. He was a consummate joker and storyteller and making people laugh was a favorite pastime. He was revered in his professional, personal and social worlds; appreciated for his humorous personality and admired for his community involvement and gentlemanly manner. George received numerous accolades and awards during his careers in the bottling and golf businesses, but his greatest successes were the gifts of love and time he gave to family, friends, and community.

George is survived by his wife, Linda; sister, Georgia Vakos of Columbia, S.C.; and brothers John, of Potterville, Mich., and Jim of Vancouver, Wash.

He is also survived by his children, John Rouches of Fall City, Wash., and Stephanie Pappas of Rancho Mirage, Calif; stepchildren Tony Ghiz, Amy Ghiz and Julie Sloan; eight grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Gorge and the American Cancer Society in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, OR 97031.