George John Zachary

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

Work hard, play hard, was the way George spent his life. In 1959 he graduated from University of Southern California with the 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 parent’s restaurant, “The Eagle Cafe.” Sharing the game meat and fish at dinner parties became a long time tradition. George was known for not wasting any meat and often came home with other hunter’s scraps.

George and his wife of 65 years, Harriet Forden Zachary, both became instrument qualified pilots. The family enjoyed travel into 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 into 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 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”.