George Alfred Cordingly Jr.

George Alfred Cordingly Jr. of Clark Fork, Idaho, passed away on Sept. 6, 2022, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

He was born Aug. 22, 1939, in Los Angeles, Calif., to George Alfred and June Magnan Cordingly. George attended Harvard Military Academy and the University of Colorado in Boulder.

He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1964 to 1971.

An accomplished aviator, George spent years flying for Continental Airlines and instructed in seaplane and mountain flying at Lake Tahoe. He owned many aircraft of the the years but especially loved flying his amphibians, which he did up until the time of his death.

He was a lieutenant colonel in the Civil Air Patrol. George spent literally thousands of hours with the High Sierra Air Rescue Task Force, Nevada Wing, of the CAP as deputy wing commander.

Much of his life was spent in service to others. In addition to his hours volunteering with the CAP, he was a member of the Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy sheriff in both Los Angeles and Placer County. He was a member of the Volunteer Fire Department at Lake TAhoe, assistant chief of the Mariposa Calif., VFD, and chief at Yreka, Calif., and Clark Fork VFDs. He volunteered as a certified EMT for many years.

George had many varied interests. For over a decade, he owned and operated the Narrow Gauge Inn at Fish Camp, Calif., near the south gate of Yosemite National park. He was an avid skier in his younger days and had a lifelong interest in trains, especially stem locomotives and railroad history. He loved nature and had a great respect for all living things. Many animal rescue organizations have benefited from his generosity over the years. He especially loved dogs and provided many forever homes to many dogs throughout his entire life. He was happiest tending the grounds of his belong home of Derr Island or sharing the sky with the eagles he loved.

George is survived by his son, Jared Cordingly of Oakhurst, Calif; his partner, Betsy Hamre; his lifelong friend, Gary Hunt; and numerous friends and neighbors.

His desire was not to have a funeral but instead have a “celebration of his life “gathering at his home. This will be held in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to Print River Animal Rescue or American Heritage Wildlife Foundation.