Long-time Eagle River resident George Malekos died Nov. 8, 2008, surrounded by his family at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Seattle, Wash.
George was born Aug. 2, 1941, in San Francisco, a first generation Greek-American and the fifth child of the late Christos and Vasilki Malekos. Sisters Anne Parola, Sophie Pavlos and brother Nick Malekos, preceded him in death.
As a young man he joined the Army, later living in Mexico and Hawaii before adventuring to Alaska where he remained.
In 1972 George moved to Eagle River where he opened and operated the North Slope Restaurant for 34 years. The restaurant was named in recognition of the kitchen's unique past. The metal mobile unit was formerly used at the Discovery Well on the North Slope oil fields, where George was head chef. When a permanent kitchen was built there the mobile one was shipped to Anchorage. Upon finding it in a rail yard a few years later, George bought it and moved it to Eagle River, and in 1972 he opened a drive-in restaurant. Over the years he remodeled it many times, with the end result being the turn-of-the-century Skagway look.
As a business owner, George employed many young people over the years that learned the art and love for cooking from him. Sometimes gruff, always humorous, he had a creative way of teaching and many took advantage of his culinary lessons, later moving on to successful careers in the food industry.
George spent many years supporting the community of Eagle River. He helped establish the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, petitioned Juneau to bring the first state trooper post to Eagle River, held numerous spaghetti feed fundraisers for individuals and groups in need and hosted the annual Old Timers Dinner.
In addition, he raised money to purchase the first Cairns IRIS FLIR infrared imaging device for the Eagle River fire station. On the 25th Anniversary of the North Slope, the 19th Alaska Legislature honored George.
While George was honored over the years for contributing to others, in his passing he found a way to continue his generosity. His last gift was not one of fundraising or money, but rather the gift of sight. He donated his corneas to SightLife, which will provide them to an individual to regain sight.
His family wrote, “Even in death, George found a way to give a part of himself one more time in the hope that another person may have sight.”
A big portion of George's life was spent hunting and fishing, and he passed his love onto his children, as well as others who accompanied him on his various excursions.
He was an amazing storyteller, and the years spent chasing the perfect shot or landing a feisty salmon provided hours of laughter for those who had an opportunity to listen to his tales.
His wife of 33 years, Susan, and son George Malekos, daughter Sophie Malekos and grandson Nicholas Hunter Malekos survives George. Other survivors include his sister Mary Perino and husband Peter; niece Cathy Pavlos; nephews Steve Pavlos and family and Chris Pavlos and family Peter, Pam, Julie Perino, Vicki Pappas and Michelle Pappas. Surviving in-laws include mother and father in-law Richard and Emma Powers; sister in-laws Diane Hiller, Linda Unseth and Jeannie Purvus; brothers in-law Richard Powers and Sue Hill-Powers, Dustin Hill, Jordan Hill; Bruce and Royanne Powers; niece Christine Declue and Teresa Padnode; nephew David Roseman and James Craft. Last but no least, George is survived by his faithful and loving dog, Andy.
A memorial service will take place Saturday at Kings Way Assembly of God Church at 5 p.m. A potluck and reception will follow at the Old St. Andrew Church from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
In lieu of flower, the family is suggesting a donation to Fisher House, 1660 S. Columbia Way, Seattle, WA 98108. Fisher House is a home away from home for the family of any veterans living more than 50 miles away from Veterans Memorial Hospital who need housing while ill veterans are treated at the hospital.
