April 8, 1934 — Dec. 31, 2007

George Lake Sr., 73, of Albany died Dec. 31 at Samaritan Albany General Hospital.

He was born in Los Angeles, the son of George Segal and Margaret Jean (Boles) Lake.

George served in the U.S. Army. He moved to Oregon on Dec. 7, 1975. He was an automotive mechanic. He was also a woodworker and made toys for his family. At one time he had a license to fly, which he loved. He had a passion to be a commercial pilot. George enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, traveling and his family. He loved to listen to his wife, Sonja, sing. He attended Eastside Christian Church.

George is survived by his wife, Sonja Lake of Albany; daughters Debbie Buffington of Havre, Mont., Donna Lake of Great Falls, Mont., and Margaret Lake of Azusa, Calif.; son George Lake Jr. of Albany and stepsons Raymond Mentzer and Troy Easton, both of Albany; 17 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother Gene Lake of Reseda, Calif.; and sister Shirley Lopez of Lake San Marcos, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Howard Lake; daughter Chris Lake; stepson Clayton Mentzer; and granddaughter Miracle Lake.

A memorial service was Jan. 7.

Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangements (fisherfuneralhome.com).