4/19/1951 – 11/26/2010
George A. Bismore, age 59 of Bellingham, passed away November 26 after graciously accepting and tolerating the physical and mental challenges caused by ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease for the last year and a half. Many have said that George was a real trooper during his illness and throughout it he has patiently accepted the directions of his caregivers, Jen and Kari.
George was born April 19, 1951 in Everett to Raymond and Gladys (Omodt) Bismore. He graduated from Everett High School in 1969 and from WSU in 1973 with a degree in psychology. He worked in printing at WWU for over 10 years. After his father passed away in 2006, George was officially diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism that makes interpersonal communication more challenging. To learn how to relate better with others, George took Improv classes at The Upfront Theatre in Bellingham. As a result, the group at The Upfront became his close friends. George was a creative artist who enjoyed painting, drawing, writing and photography. He had a sweet and gentle spirit and had a unique style of humor.
George was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys, in 2001, and father, Ray, in 2006. He is survived by his brothers John Bismore (wife Debra) and Ralph Bismore; uncle Joe (and the other) Gladys Bismore; his second cousin, Kari Quaas; local first cousins Cathy Berry, Jeanne Hisey, Barb Roetcisoender, Laura Petersen, Linda Wgeishofski and their families; first cousins Karen Omodt and Steve Omodt; many Bismore relatives on the east coast; and even more family in Norway; his good friend Jen Warwick; and many friends and coworkers from WWU and The Upfront Theatre.
Team George (aka Jen and Kari) would like to express their extreme gratitude and appreciation for the love, care and support of family and friends. We would like to specifically thank Mary Rebar from the ALS Association for her guidance, love and concern, and for always being there. A general shout out to the members of the ALS Support Group, Right at Home, Oliver Ross, Kathy Tadlock, the Human Resources Staff at WWU and Whatcom Hospice.
A Celebration of George’s life will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Sunday December, 12th at 7 PM followed by an “after party” at the Upfront Theatre. Memorials may be made to ALS Association Evergreen Chapter, PO Box 5691, Bellingham, WA 98227.