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George Gustavos
Gouvas
Jan 31, 1971 — Mar 18, 2023
Colville
George Gustavos Gouvas, age 51, passed away due to complications of Hairy Cell Leukemia on March 19, 2023 at his Colville home. George was born on January 31, 1971 in Medford, OR the son of George Gustavos Constantino and Evelyn Sue (Welshcimer) Gouvas.
George spent his earliest years in the care of his grandparents where they resided in Shady Cove Oregon before moving to Hermiston, OR. He later resided with his mom and step-dad in Hermiston, OR area where he began school. George began working full time in his mid-teens and had the wonderful ability to pick-up a trade quickly. His first job was building "Fences with Jess." He also worked with other local employers before accepting a position with the City of Bordman. He worked in both the city street and water department. Having been raised around horses, George welcomed the opportunity to move to Idaho where he could return to his roots. He had a passion and gift for teaching and training horses known to be "unteachable". His philosophy was simple, he offered the horses excellent care from their feet to the feed, and realized that every horse was different. George anchored in "liberty training" which allowed the horses freedom and the free will. In return, they offered him their loyalty. He moved to the Colville area, and brought his business "Outlaw Horsemanship" and passion for teaching horses and their owners. It was love at first sight, when Darla Nez crossed his path at a Sunsational Saturday 4-H event. In 2011 they exchanged Vows and shared in life and love on their ranchette. George was diagnosed with Hairy Cell Leukemia in 2013 and although his health required growing needs, his strength and tenacity earned him the title of "Superman" by his grandchildren and simple awe in others.
He took time to fish, hunt, hike, learn, teach, and of course ride his horses. His faith was founded in Ya's Word and seeking of truth. He went out of his way to help others and give of his gifts when friends and family where in need. George was loving husband, father and grandfather figure. His larger-than-life presence offers comfort in his absence and the life lessons he taught will be passed on for generations.
George was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Marion; sister, Heather Gouvas; and his uncle, Jimmy Welsheimer.
He is survived by his wife, Darla Nez, at the home, step-daughters, Madaleen Heberlein (Jason) of Spokane Valley, WA, Makayla Nez of Colville, WA, three special granddaughters that stole his heart and his soul and he would conquer the world for, Aliyah Heberlein "Fred", Ashlynn Heberlein "Tom", Amiya Heberlein "Jerry"; mother, Evelyn Sue Marion of Hermiston, OR; Laurie Ellis (Jim) of Irrigon, OR; nieces and nephews, Tresa Grieve of Hermiston, OR, Jamie Bunch (Brian) of Irrigon, OR, James Grieve of Hutto, TX; aunts and uncles, Richard Welsheimer (Sharon), Pam Haring of Coeur d'Alene, ID, Carolyn Rees of Loyalton, CA; and a host of extended family and friends.
A memorial service for Mr. George G. Gouvas will begin at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, April 2, 2023 at their home. Please bring memories and stories to share, your chair and your favorite potluck dish. Memorial contributions may be given to the charity of your choice. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.
Sunday
George & Darla's residence
Starts at 1:00 pm
Visits: 2
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