George Zachary, 91

Dr. George Zachary was born in San Bernardino Calif., to John and Helen Zaharopoulos. He lived in the San Bernardino area for 89 years, where he practiced dentistry for 40 years. In 2024, he relocated to Spokane Valley, Wash., to be near family.

Work hard, play hard was the way George spent his life. In 1959, he graduated from the University of Southern California with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He was proud to provide top-quality dental care and soon became in demand by other dentists for their care.

His leisure time was filled with a variety of activities. Big game hunting in Colorado with college classmates was a ritual for 50 years.

“Chester,” his talented German Shorthair Pointer, made George a very successful bird hunter. Fishing was also a favorite pastime, along with wine making and golf. The hunting and fishing demanded cooking.

Cooking was more than a hobby since George grew up helping in his parents’ restaurant, “The Eagle Cafe.” Sharing the game meat and fish at dinner parties became a longtime tradition. George was known for not wasting any meat and often came home with scraps from other hunters.

George and his wife of 65 years, Harriet Forden Zachary, both became instrument-qualified pilots. The family enjoyed traveling to Canada, Mexico and many U.S. states. Foreign adventures included Europe, Great Britain, New Zealand, Morocco and Israel. Having learned Greek as a child, he made several trips to Greece, his father’s birthplace.

George’s hobbies and activities inspired his grandsons. Zane Zachary, son of Marc and Melanie (Sturm) Zachary, is graduating in May 2026 from Notre Dame University and entering the U.S. Naval Officer’s Candidate School pilot program. He began flying at age 14.

Tyler Zachary, age 17, son of Andy and Renee (Sloan) Zachary, has become an accomplished golfer with a 1 handicap and a top academic scholar.

George is remembered as a man with a “Life well Lived.”

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with his care.