George Pohndorf

George Richard Pohndorf, Jr., 57, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Edgewood Missoula Memory Care.

He was born on March 30, 1967 in Seattle, WA, to Roberta and George Pohndorf, Sr.

He grew up in Bellevue, in the days when the area was thick with woods and trails. He shared an obsession with model trains and historic steam trains with his father. The rainy climate and access to eclectic radio stations were a perfect environment to foster a love of music, which became a fundamental part of his life.

George graduated with a BA in Mathematics from the University of Puget Sound. During his undergraduate years, he balanced his studies with a couple of jobs that made a lasting impression in his life: working at Hermits Rest in the Grand Canyon and DJing for the college radio station. His love of music expanded, and he was drawn to the extended improvisation in the music of bands like the Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead, which dovetailed with jazz, another favorite. He loved all genres of music, and was excited to introduce family and friends to new music.

He received his MBA in Finance from the Simon Business School in Rochester, NY. His work was his passion and he went on to enjoy a successful career as an energy industry executive, including over 20 years at Puget Sound Energy. He worked in many areas including regulatory initiatives, corporate accounts and resource planning for hydropower and wind investments. He was known for his sense of humor and his afternoon “walk-abouts” finding out what other areas of the company were doing.

George played as hard as he worked. His favorite adventures included climbing Mt. Rainier, scuba diving in Hawaii, running the Humboldt Redwoods Marathon, making pilgrimages to ride historic steam engines like the Silverton Durango, and skiing and hiking countless trails throughout the Rockies.

He was always up for seeing the latest movie, never passed up dessert, and was a connoisseur of burgers. He went to hundreds of concerts with favorites being Tom Petty, Government Mule, Bruce Springsteen and the Waterboys. He also loved travelling to other countries, and even took his mother on a momentous trip to Italy.

In addition to enjoying all that our world has to offer, he loved immersing himself in the adventures of the Rebel Alliance, the U.S.S. Enterprise and Middle Earth.

Above all, George was good-humored, kind, giving and supportive to colleagues, friends and family.

He married Erin Lamb in 2010. They shared a love of European travel and rescue animals, including Jack, a black lab who was an instant loyal companion for life. George and Erin enjoyed life together on Queen Anne for many years, and had an enduring friendship thereafter.

He moved to Missoula, MT in 2021 to be near family as he navigated an early onset Alzheimer’s and Frontotemporal dementia diagnosis. He continued to enjoy outdoor walks, good food and good company thanks to Harvest Home Care.

He is preceded in death by his father, George Pohndorf, Sr. and beloved dog Jack, who undoubtedly met George on the other side.

Survivors include his mother, Roberta Pohndorf, Missoula; his brother Rob Pohndorf (Tracy), Missoula; sisters Carolyn Nannery, Bremerton, WA and Marilyn Gaul, St. Peter, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will take place in Seattle this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made at alz.org/walk, for the Edgewood Vista, Missoula, MT team for the walk to end Alzheimer's