George James Booras

George James Booras, 94

September 22, 1922 March 18, 2017

George passed away peacefully at his family home in Portland, Saturday, March 18, 2017. He was born September 22, 1922 in Portland to Jim M. and Mary (Psomas) Booras, their only child. He graduated from Washington High School in 1940, then attended the University of Oregon where his education was interrupted by WWII.  George enlisted and served in the Army from 1942-1946, stationed in the Philippines, Japan and attending Greek School in Massachusetts. After serving, he returned and graduated from the University of Oregon, class of 1948. He married his wife of 62 years, Merle Stavrakis, in 1954. They raised their family in Portland until 1962 when they relocated to Corvallis. He worked many years on the Oregon State campus at the Forest Research Laboratory. He returned to Portland in 1980 where he remained until his death. George believed in giving back and volunteered with Kiwanis and Meals on Wheels for many years. George loved his wife, family, friends Greek Orthodox Church, and his Oregon Ducks. He is remembered for his generosity, cheerfulness and most notably his jokes, sayings and songs.

George is survived by his wife, Merle Booras; daughter, Niki Booras of Portland; granddaughter, Nicole Peschka of Beaverton; and grandson, Andrew Bennett of Medford.  He is also survived by several extended family members in his close knit Greek family. His daughter, Kathy Bennett preceded him in death.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, 3131 N.E. Glisan St., Portland, OR 97232. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made in George's name to the ALS Association of Oregon and S.W. Washington.