George C. Skandale

George Skandale, a 43 year resident of La Canada, peacefully passed away at home in La Canada on June 21, 2009 at the age of 91. He was a wonderful dad and husband who will be forever loved and missed. George was born on January 9, 1918 in Dawson, New Mexico a small coal mining town in northeastern New Mexico. He is the eldest son of Charles and Elizabeth Skandale (Skandalakis) and is survived by his beloved wife Katherine, his daughters Liz and Helen, his sister Sophia and her husband Ernie Spirakis of Saratoga, California. He is also survived by his six nieces and nephews. His late brother and sister in law Nick and Virginia Skandalis were also long time residents of La Canada. Their three children Charlie Skandalis, Liz Marshall and Nikki Holke all currently reside in Northern California. George graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1940 with a degree in economics and business administration. He was active in basketball, track, Varsity baseball and Varsity football where he played halfback. He played in the 1939 Sun Bowl. Although, he was “an independent” in college, he was tapped for Khatali, a men’s service organization where only 10 men were elected on the basis of scholarship, character and service to the University. He was the independent men vice president and on the Athletic council. He served in WWII with a military government unit which followed Patton’s Army in Germany from 1942-45. He served in Northern Europe, Ardennes, Rhineland and central Europe. George was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. George worked as a regional administrative officer for the State Department of Fish and Game for 32 years. He had the dual role as administrative officer for two regions. He joined the department of Fish and Game as a senior accounting clerk in Los Angeles in 1949. He helped simplify the departments’ record keeping problems by suggesting a consolidation of license sale and unsold license reports, a suggestion which earned him a personal commendation from then governor Goodwin Knight. He became a business service officer in 1957 and in 1972 he was promoted to regional administrative officer III. One of George’s greatest passions was his church, St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox in Pasadena, California. He served as Parish Council President, Parish Council member, youth advisor, President of the Mr. and Mrs. Club, past member of the Diocsen council and recipient of the St. Paul’s Medal. He was Greek Festival chairman, co-chairmen, food chairman and most recently, in 2002, food advisor together with current La Canada resident Joanna Koulas. In 1971 he initiated and chaired the first 2 day Greek Festival at the Arcadia Masonic Temple. He was also instrumental in relocating the Greek Festival to Santa Anita Race Track where it was held for over 25 years. Although he was born in the United States he cherished his Greek heritage. His parents were both born in Crete, Greece and so in 1950 he became one of the key individuals in organizing the Southern California Cretans’ Association. He served as president in 1957, 1962, 1963, 1989 and 1990. He also chaired the 1990 and co-chaired the 2005 Cretan National Convention. George, an avid USC football fan, had been going to games since1949. During the last 35 years it became a cherished family tradition where he and his two daughters together attended almost every USC home game. George and his wife Katherine celebrated there 50th wedding anniversary together with friends on February, 15, 2009. The Viewing and Trisagion were held on Thursday, June 24. Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 25, 2009. Both services were held at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Saint Anthony Memorial Fund directed toward the new Parish hall kitchen.