George F. Hanigan

George F. Hanigan was born February 11, 1938 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon to George Henry (Hank) Hanigan and Elizabeth D. (Betty Driscoll) Hanigan. He died July 11, 2013.

George was a fourth generation Wahkiakum resident and a third generation local attorney. His great grandparents homesteaded in 1870 in the Elochoman Valley. His grandfather George F. Hanigan and his father Hank Hanigan were also attorneys. All served as County Prosecutor-Coroner.

George graduated from Wahkiakum High School in 1956 where he played football, basketball and baseball. He then attended Oregon State University for two years and transferred to Gonzaga University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance in 1961. While working full time, George attended the Gonzaga University School of Law graduating with a Juris Doctorate degree in 1966.

George married Mary Elaine Kennelly on August 10, 1963 in Fargo, North Dakota. They returned to Cathlamet to raise their four children: Hank, Kate, Tim, and Mollie. Hank and Karen (Tarabochia) Hanigan are the parents of Hank, Bryce, Blake, and Allison; Kate Hanigan’s children are Michael, Andrew, and Peter Weiler; and Mollie’s children are Stephanie and Brayson Moore. George is also survived by his sister Mary Hanigan of Portland, Oregon, and several nieces and nephews.

George was owner of Wahkiakum Title & Escrow and Hanigan Law Office for over 45 years. During this time he was elected and served as Wahkiakum County Prosecuting Attorney and Coroner for 20 years. He also served on the Board of Association of Prosecuting Attorneys of which he was President for one term. George was proud that he was involved in the establishment of public projects including the Elochoman Slough Marina, Skamokawa Vista Park, County Line Park and the Wahkiakum County Timber Trust reserve funds.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Cathlamet on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Those wishing to may contribute in George’s name to Cathlamet First Aid Division EMT Services, P.O. Box 142, Cathlamet WA 98612 or to Wahkiakum County Historical Society, P.O. Box 541, Cathlamet WA 98612.

Dowling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.