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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Eugster, Dr. George S. “Bud”

Age 73

EUGSTER, Dr. George S. “Bud” (Age 73) Died May 4, 2014 at home surrounded by family just sixteen months after being diagnosed with biliary/ pancreatic cancer.

George was born in Wayzata, MN on March 12, 1941 to George and Helen Eugster.

Graduating from Mound High School and Carleton College with honors, he entered medical school at the University of Minnesota graduating in 1967.

He was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the honorary medical society.

In 1966 George married Susan Sturley of St Paul, MN and together they moved to Denver, CO where he completed his internship, medical residency and cardiology fellowship.

The couple along with their two young daughters, Jennifer and Betsy moved to Albuquerque, NM where Major George Eugster became the Director of Internal Medicine at Kirtland AFB.

The family moved to Spokane in 1974 amid the excitement of Spokane Expo, and George joined Associated Internists as a cardiologist.

Later the couple’s son, Andrew, was born.

George was involved with the building of the Fifth and Brown Medical Building’s new addition.

In 1983 he, Dr. Reisig, and Dr. Stifter joined Drs.

Notske and Hensley in forming the Spokane Heart Clinic.

George had many professional leadership roles.

Realizing a need for a cardiac rehabilitation in the Spokane community, he and Dr. Hinnen co-founded the first program which was housed at the YMCA.

He was also the President of the Northwest Chapter of the American Heart Association 1980-81.

In 1989 George joined a committee to create The Heart Institute of Spokane and at the completion of the two year project, the Institute became a reality with George as the first President of the Board of Directors.

His group, Spokane Heart Clinic, moved their office into that building and over the years those doctors blended with another practice which is now known as Heart Clinics Northwest.

He was President of Heart Clinics Northwest from 1995 until he retired in 2000.

Retirement was not a time to be idle and so George, who is fondly known as Bud, became a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

He could be seen pounding nails or moving trusses several days a week.

He received the Golden Hammer award in 2006 as Volunteer of the Year.

Not only did Bud enjoy building houses, he was also a furniture craftsman creating many pieces for his own homes as well as those of his children.

Last year several grandkids received a bed, crafted by Bud, for their favorite doll.

While active on committees and boards, he found time for his family.

As a family, they enjoyed wonderful times at both Schweitzer Mountain for winter skiing and Priest Lake for summer water activities.

Bud was an active sportsman with love for bird hunting, sailing, running, skiing, and more recently fly fishing.

Susan and Bud also loved traveling and the highlight of their many experiences was the trip to Antarctica just two years ago.

George is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Susan, daughters: Jennifer Yeatts (Matthew), Betsy Koehler (Thomas), son Andrew Eugster (Erin), grandchildren: Grant, Lauren and Mark Yeatts, Rose and Kent Koehler, Bromley and Parks Eugster, brothers: Stephen and Jack (Camie), mother-in-law: Jane Long, and many other relatives and friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Cancer Care Northwest, Hospice of Spokane and all who have helped the family along this journey.

In lieu of flowers, please make your memorials to The Dr. George S. Eugster Memorial Medical Lectureship at Inland Northwest Community Foundation (payable to INWCF), 421 West Riverside, Spokane, WA 99201-0405 or Habitat for Humanity Spokane, 732 N. Napa, Spokane, WA 99202.

A celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 318 South Cedar, Spokane, WA 99201 on Friday, May 16, 2014 at 1:00 pm.

Suggested parking at Global Credit Union or Grocery Outlet.