Obituary of George B. Tellevik

No Visitation George Berger Tellevik husband, father, veteran, Chief, Mason, Rotarian, and sailor – has left port for his next adventure. Born in the midst of the great depression, September 27th 1933, in Mt. Vernon, Washington, to Dorothy and Lars Berger Tellevik, George lived his life with conscious joy, passion, gratitude, and wonder. Stories from his youth include swimming in the Chehalis River, collecting bottles for a cent, listening to the radio address the evening of December 7th, 1941, working at a movie theater, and dreaming about the big wide world. As a teenager, and after many meetings in the kitchen nook with his mother and beloved stepfather, Milt, he decided to pursue the life of “more”. At barely 17 years of age, his imagination on fire, he left family and school to join the United States Navy. He recalled this as one of the greatest times in his life – full of learning, travel, and experiences that nurtured his vision and planted the strong seeds of patriotism and leadership. He spent 3 1/2 years on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. After leaving the service, he made another life changing decision, joining the Washington State Patrol in 1956. He graduated from the cadet academy in 1957 and began his career in Wapato, WA. This was to be the opportunity of a lifetime, which allowed him to fully live out his public service ideals. At about this time he met Karen Coglizer, who was working as a secretary at the local police station in Kennewick, WA. On Thursday they had lunch – on Sunday they decided to marry. Three months after meeting, they were Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Tellevik. They celebrated 52 years of marriage this past October. George enjoyed all of his assignments – in Wapato, Snohomish, and Olympia. He spent 10 ½ years working the road before his first promotion to Sergeant in 1968. In 1985, Governor Booth Gardner appointed him Chief of the Washington State Patrol. He served for eight years in this capacity before retiring in 1993. He was an avid member of The International Chiefs of Police, an alumni of the FBI’s National Executive Institute, past president of the National Law Enforcement Communication Network, and for eight years the Washington State Patrol Legislative Liaison. He lived the motto: “Service with humility.” He would share the meaning of this with his daughters as they were growing up. He loved his family - but equally loved his work, the Washington State Patrol, and the State of Washington. If you knew George, you understand that he loved everything he did. Each day was a prize and he was the most fortunate man alive. Never a morning, a sunset, a good scotch, a football game, a breeze, - anything – was ever taken for granted. His love of life – its opportunities and people - and his enthusiasm - was infectious. His work was incredibly fulfilling for him and when he did retire – it was as sad and difficult as it was happy and exciting. He must have known that it was time to get on with it. During those retirement years he enjoyed fully the time sailing, trips to England, golfing in the Arizona desert, Norwegian Cruises, the Panama Canal, the Florida Gulf Coast, his coffee mates, Kiwanis, his friends from all of his life - and his family. His days were incredibly full and his family was blessed with his presence during many projects and sporting events and so many barbecues, tee times, and Sunday morning breakfasts. He lived a life of inspiration. He believed in hearts and flowers, doing the right thing even when nobody was looking, and in the reality of things - making dreams come true. George was just simply the greatest guy to have in your life. It was a shock to all of us when the diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer came at the age of 73. Much too young. Though he was a man of faith, George did not “go gentle into that good night” – his strength of spirit, faith, and optimism buoyed him through grueling treatments and too much suffering. He fought so hard because he wanted to be with us. He did not want this lovely amazing life to end. He wanted more than anything to see his youngest grandchild grow up. He wanted another trip to England, much much more time sailing, …time. In the end, we all have to make do with memories, spirit, and faith. The body could not continue even with this vigorous Norwegian spirit full of health, intention, and life force at the helm. Milt, Dorothy, Lars, Evelyn, Cog, and many others are celebrating to have him back again. His kindness and respect to all – no matter their circumstances, ensure a warm welcome as he crosses this sea of mystery into the next harbor. He is in the arms of love as always – here and beyond. George is survived by brother Les Tellevik, (Adele), sister Susie Huston, (Don) and Pat Rish, (John). George also leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Karen, daughter Teri Tellevik (Lilly), daughter Kim Acuff (Kevin), and three beloved grandchildren, Eliot & Haley Stevenson, and Kilian Acuff. George is also survived by numerous other wonderful and appreciated family members, including Wes Stevenson and a very special nephew, Christofer Coglizer (Karla). The family would like to thank the Washington State Patrol and the many people who helped during this journey. The family would also like to thank the great oncologist Vincent Picozzi, who gifted us the miracle of many months. Remembrances may be made to PANCAN.org. /The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave Suit 7000 El Segundo, CA. 90245 – or to The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation P.O. Box 7544, Olympia WA. 98507. Memorial Services will be Friday, September 26th, at 1 PM, Saint Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion. You may leave memories of George and condolences for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below: