George Simmons Fullerton

1929 - 2018

George Simmons Fullerton obituary, 1929-2018

BORN

1929

DIED

2018

George Fullerton Obituary



GEORGE SIMMONS FULLERTON

George Simmons Fullerton passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home at the age of 89 on October 6, 2018. George was born in Trenton, New Jersey to David and Adelaide (Simmons) Fullerton and was the youngest son in a family of nine siblings. The family relocated to Oregon when he was six where his energy and enthusiasm naturally led to athletic participation.
George attended Ashland High School where he excelled in track and field. As a high school junior, he set state records in both the mile and half mile, breaking a 34-year-old record in the mile run. Later in the same season he garnered national attention by setting a new mile record, set 11 years earlier by Louis Zamperini. This recognition led to a position on the LOOK magazine National Track Team roster and a track scholarship to Oregon State University.
As a student at Oregon State, he was a member of ROTC and the Theta Chi Fraternity. He earned a bachelor and two masters degrees in the field of education and began a teaching and coaching career in Estacada, Oregon. He then moved to Vancouver, Washington for a position at Vancouver High School and eventually landed at Clark College where he taught Physical Education courses and coached track and field for 30 years. As a coach, he led Clark to three regional NWAC Championships and guided numerous individuals to record-setting marks.
He transitioned to retirement by building a local residential rental business which kept him busy when he was not boating on the river, golfing, or fishing at his favorite fishing hole. Clark Athletics inducted George into the Hall of Fame in 2015 and NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference) did the same in 2016. He was a big supporter of education and athletics and recently established the FAST (Fullerton Athletic Scholarship Team) awards for athletes at Clark College.
George was known for his inspirational talks, quick wit, and inventive training methods. His smile, story-telling, and encouragement will be missed.
George Fullerton is survived by his companion Vickie Neal; daughters Linda Rainwater, Jill Fullerton, Christine Fullerton, Candace and Jeff Spiro and grandchildren Sam and Ellie Spiro; his sister Anne Hall, sister-in-law Anne Fullerton and numerous nephews and nieces.
A Remembrance will be held at Clark College on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. in the STEM building. Donations may be made to Clark College Foundation: 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98666 or Ashland High School Athletics Track Team: 201 S. Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520.
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Oct. 10, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for George Fullerton

Not sure what to say?





Thank you so very much. It's wonderful to read your kind words & memories. Thank you for sharing. I love you

Jill Fullerton

Family

October 8, 2021

George was a huge inspiration to me in the 8th grade at Ashland Junior High School. His mile school record at the high school inspired me to go after the oldest standing track record of 25 years. It was a time of dirt tracks and poor running shoes. If you wanted to be faster than the rest you just had to put in more training, most of it by yourself. George´s inspiration to me trickled down to the other members of our Cross Country team of 1971. We won Ashland´s first ever State Championship title that year. George had an impact on that. I wish I could have seen George run in person, as he did me, my first race as a Junior College runner. I was glad to see that George finally got some recognition in the December 2014 issue of the Oregonian as breaking Louis Zamperini´s national high school mile record in 1946. We have many similar stories to share with each other and I look forward to that. When George got to meet Louis, I know that Louis said the same thing to George that George said to me. "So you are the guy who broke my record". In so many ways, we never know how great of an impact we have on others. Thank you George, for playing a big role in my success as a runner. I wish I would have moved to Clark County 4 years earlier. Maybe George and I could have shared his favorite fishing spot together. I know I would have really enjoyed that.

Claude Neuenschwander

September 27, 2021

Wow... I just found about George's Passing about a year late... George was a huge inspiration to me in 1975 to 1980 as a young Real Estate Broker with The Bill Snyder Co., Inc., Realtors... with his sense of humor... His Real Estate Investing and We even got to meet President Carter when he came to Vancouver after Mt. St. Hellen's Blew (George Tipped us off)... He was an amazing story teller to sell you on his teachings! Also remember his Lunch diet of Cottage Cheese, Fruit & Veggies... Better Fast Food!

Beau Weidman

November 2, 2019

Thank you so much everyone! I love you!

jill fullerton

October 25, 2018

When I worked with Linda, George would call often and we would chat, he was a real character. So sorry for your loss.

Caroline Adams

October 17, 2018

Dear Uncle George,
Dave, my dad, so enjoyed your calls, visits, and that spur of the moment Mexico adventure.
Much love to all of our wonderful Nortern family. Susan and Anne Fullerton, Concord, California

Susan Fullerton

October 16, 2018

You're all so special & I love you.

Jill Fullerton

October 16, 2018

I came to Clark College with apprehensions in 1973, and left with inspirations in 1975, all because I decided to buy into George's running system. I was a sprinter on the Track team and was amazed how every week George would add a little variety to our training program, from jump roping, to pulling a piece of plywood around the cinder track, to hours of stair running, he had all the tricks. Thanks, George for listening to us, laughing with us and making our track experience memorable.

Mike Trimble

October 15, 2018

Thank you all so much. Each & every one of you are so kind & loving. I appreciate you all for sharing. It's wonderful!

Jill Fullerton

October 15, 2018

I met George when I worked at Clark College (1981-84). He had a kind heart, a ready laugh, was a good listener and had lots of positive stories to encourage people. My condolences to the family.

Bonnie Sabel Welte

October 15, 2018

I'm glad to of been able to rent one of George's home's for the last 13 year's.
He was always good to my son and I. Worked cleaning some of his rentals for over 27 year's.
His life was a great one.
His stories he has shared with me there were never a dull moment in his life.
Loved it when Vickie and him bought a Maltese pup from me last year.
He will for sure be missed by my son and myself.
My condolences to the family.

Keri Stanberry

October 14, 2018

Thank you, everyone! Such kind words.

Jill Fullerton

October 12, 2018

The Ashland High School Track and Cross Country teams are so honored and thankful to have Mr. Fullerton as a great legacy! All of the kids know of his amazing records and he is often spoken of by the coaches as an inspiration. Thank you for naming our program as a beneficiary. We will be thinking of him as we compete in the Warner Classic XC meet in Portland tomorrow - running for George Fullerton!

AHS families

October 12, 2018

My heart goes out to you and Linda as well as the rest of the family...I will miss the small talk George and I would have and who is going to eat my left overs now...his quirkiness was always fun...good memories from a good man...

Diane Kessell

October 11, 2018

Will miss seeing George's smile, he would always say something to make me laugh and throw in a little exercise advice while he was at it. A Great guy!

Mike Walling

October 11, 2018

Hugs to you Jill and to your entire family. What a wonderful obituary, sounds like your Dad was quite a guy!!!!

October 11, 2018

I feel your pain. I hope time will help heal. hugs to all

Carole Thornton

October 11, 2018

Missing you, Dad. I'll see you again, so thankful to God! I love you!

Jill Fullerton

October 11, 2018

Our sincere condolences to the family of George Fullerton. We remember him as our neighbor and Clark college instructor. We hope your good memories console you at this time of loss.
Sincerely, the family of Ron & Jane Halcomb

Teresa Bergeron

October 10, 2018

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in George Fullerton's name

Memorial Events
for George Fullerton

Oct

14

Service

1:30 p.m.

Clark College

Vancouver, WA

How to support George's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor George Fullerton's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more