Visitation:
202 W. Maple Street Willard OH 44890 10/17/2013 18:00:00
Service:
1526 National Road Wheeling WV 26003 10/18/2013 24:00:00
George Gaich, born February 2, 1927 in Powhatan Point, Ohio joined his beloved wife in heaven on October 1, 2013. He died peacefully with his son Steven at his side in Medina, Ohio where he lived the last couple of years. George was a loving husband to his wife Irene, and a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle whose unconditional love for all of us was undeniable. George lived a full and happy life of 86 years. He served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army occupation forces in Japan during World War II. After the war, he returned to high school to earn his diploma at Powhatan High School. Through the encouragement and support of his high school football coach, George played college football, attending University of Tennessee in Chattanooga and then transferring to Western New Mexico University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and in later years, his Master’s Degree in Education. He taught school for 30 years in Powhatan Point, North Fairfield, Berlin Heights and Willard, Ohio. Throughout his teaching career he coached several sports but loved coaching football the most. He was an advocate for school – based driver education believing that it could result in saving lives. He served as Athletic Director in Willard for many years and was proud of the student athletes’ accomplishments during that time. After retirement he tutored students at EHOVE joint vocational school helping them earn their diplomas. He served on Willard City Council and the Willard Board of Education extending his life of public service. George was a lifelong learner, earning his pilot’s license, his real estate license and learning how to snorkel at age 72 while in Hawaii celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary with his family. He had a Facebook page where he kept in touch with his former students, nieces and friends. In addition to his wife, Irene, he is preceded in death by his parents Eli and Sima Pavlovich Gaich, brothers and sister – in-law Mike and Sam (Ora) Gaich. George is survived by his daughter Pamela (Greg) VanHorn, sons Dr. Gregory Gaich and Dr. Steven (Catherine) Gaich. Grandchildren Dr. Daniel (Dr. Abigaile) VanHorn, Joe And Kendra VanHorn, Brooke Paddock, Caitlin and Emma Gaich, AJ and Ponch Gaich, great-grandchildren, Kate and Jake VanHorn, Dr. Carol Gaich, mother of Cokie, Emma and Brooke, sister-in-law Mary Ann Wickham, many loving nieces and nephews, a host of friends and the hundreds of students whose lives he touched. Family will receive friends at Secor Funeral Home 202 W. Maple Street, Willard , Ohio on Thursday, October 17, 2013 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. We will celebrate dad’s life at 7:30 p.m. Family and friends will be invited to share a story or a memory of our dad at that time. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at noon on October 18th, 2013 at Greenwood Cemetery, 1526 National Road, Wheeling, West Virginia. George and Irene’s ashes will be interred together as they wished. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory should be made to the Powhatan Alumni Scholarship Association. Mail to:
Powhatan Alumni Scholarship
Reference: George Gaich
P.O. Box 91
Powhatan Point, Ohio 43942
These donations will continue the scholarship he has supported over the last several years. He never forgot his roots and wanted to support students in Powhatan going to college.
Condolences
Pam, Greg and Steve,
We were unable to come to the funeral home when you were in Willard. We have such fond memories of your parents. Your parents may be gone but no one can take away the wonderful memories you can share with one another. Keeping you in our prayers.
Dear Pam,Greg,Steve and Families,
So sorry to hear about George passing. I had the honor to have him as my Driver’s Ed. Teacher, he was a wonderful Man as was your Mom. He was always happy, I can still hear his laughter…He was loved and will be missed by many.
He always spoke with so much pride of all of you, his children!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your Families.
Greg and family, sorry to hear about your dad passing. He was a wonderful teacher and I have lots of great memories from his class while in school!
Dear Pam,Greg and Steve,
Please accept our sympathy and prayers on the loss of your dad. Your parents raised a fine family, and both were good people to have as colleagues and friends.
Mrs. Gaich and Family, I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Gaich’s passing. What a great man! I had the pleasure of having Mr. Gaich at Willard HS. Such a gentlemen! He cared about the students and it was evident in how he treated us.
You will have some great memories, to cherish the rest of your life!
Doug Baker
Greg, Pam and Steve,
We send our deepest sympathy to you and your families on the loss of your dad. We also didn’t know that your mother had passed away. I am not sure you remember us but we used to be your sitters when you were little. We thought the world of both of your parents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pam,Greg and Steve, please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Like so many others I have vivid memories of George’s animated conversations and hearty laughter. I know how proud he was of all of you. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Gaich family. I will keep you all in my thoughts as you remember Mr. Gaich.
I certainly have many memories of both George and Irene. I do remember the multi-colored wig and his question, “What time is it?” It certainly is “show time” for George and Irene, back together again. My prayers and thoughts go to the family.
George and Irene were two of the finest people I ever ran into. Always ready to help. His school board days, I think, was the best the board has ever been. Will be missed George and Irene and it is Showtime for both.
Pam , Greg and Steve – My deepest sympathies to you and your families in hearing of the passing of George who was not only a teacher , instructor , coach but also a dear friend . His presence during the WHS basketball games as well as his fair warnings to all the girls to stay away from me and my van during Drivers Ed.class daily will forever be etched in my memory .May George and Irene rest in peace together .
My sumpathies and prayers are with the entire family at this time. George was very special and will be greatly missed. I’m sure he is at peace with Irene.
Sending my sympathies to the family. He was a kind and caring person,was the one who taught me how to drive. Many memories of the times after the ballgames when our parents “hung out”. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. It is a very hard thing but rest assured he is in a better place and now with your mom. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
We will be out of state on the 17th, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you. George was a great guy and we so enjoyed his humor and wit. He and Irene influenced so many children through the years including our own.
From: Pat and Dave Sattig
I remember George (and Irene) as being just super people. They were very approachable and had great senses of humor. I remember them fondly as I am sure all of my classmates do, as well. Their children should be very proud of their parents and I am sure that they are.
I send my sympathy to the Gaich Family. I am grateful our children were influenced by the integrity of teachers such as George. He was a class act! Does anyone remember George wearing the multi-colored wig at the basketball games? He surely had school spirit and loved the students.