George David Gritz

George David Gritz of Hermiston was born October 28, 1948 in Miles City, Montana the son of George H. and Dorothy (Franklin) Gritz. He passed away in Richland, Washington on March 26, 2025 at the age of 76. George was very happy to be able to spend the last few days with family and close friends before losing a battle to cancer.
 
George moved to Hermiston, Oregon with his family when he was a toddler. He attended schools in Hermiston and graduated from Hermiston High School in the Class of 1966. After high school, he served in the US Navy for a term which included two years and nine months in Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, he began his career with the Laborers’ International Union Local #682 (was later Local #121 and currently Local #737). He was elected Business Manager of the Union in 1980 (proceeding his father’s tenure), a position he held for twenty five years. He retired from his position with the union in 2003. He was very honored and proud to serve his Union Family across the state of Oregon. George maintained his membership in the Union for over fifty-eight years and was a proud Gold Card Member.
 
George enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. George and wife of 46 years Shari loved attending their grandkids and extended grandkids sporting events.  He loved supporting local youth activities from 4H, FFA and Hermiston Little League. He also was a member of the Moose Lodge in Stanfield for many years.  
 
George married Sharon “Shari” Nisbet in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho on April 8, 1973 and were married for 46 years.
 
He was preceded in death by his wife Shari on June 20, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents George H. and Dorothy Gritz and a brother, Doug Gritz.
 
He is survived by a son, Jeffrey and his wife Jana Gritz; two grandsons, Nychal and Slade Gritz; extended grandchildren, Wyatt Noland and Bailee Noland Kennedy; sister, Carol (Butch) Curtis; several nieces and nephews; and a very close bond with his nephew Dusty Porter.
 
A Memorial service will be held on Saturday May 3rd, 2025 at Burns Mortuary Chapel  @ 11a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in the Hermiston Cemetery with a reception to follow. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
 
Family suggests memorial donations be made to Hermiston Little League or 
or to a charity of your choice.

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