The Momentous Life Of George Simchuk
George Simchuk was the oldest of six children and was brought up on a farm west of Spokane, WA. Following his graduation from Cheney High School, George Simchuk received a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering through his graduation from Washington State University. His outstanding educational qualifications allowed him to gain employment by The Anaconda Company in Chile, working as a shift foreman. Five years later, George left his employment position as Chief Engineer and found work in San Francisco by Utah international Inc. Here, he held the position of Mining Engineer, building up experience that allowed him to pursue the position of Manager of Mining services. This major job role saw him gaining responsibility for the technical services throughout North and South America and Australia.
A father to two sons, George divorced his wife following their marriage in the 60’s. Trailing in their father’s footsteps, George Simchuk’s two sons graduated with science degrees in Washington University. Continuing to use their talents, both sons enrolled in Medical School and worked in their desired fields of work in Oregon and California.
Seven years after GE’s acquisition of Utah International, George Simchuk joined Homestake Mining Company as a Mine Manager for Uranium Mine in Gunnison, Colorado. The early 90’s saw the annihilation of the Uranium Industry, which resulted in George finding employment with Pathfinder Mines in Wyoming, working as Mine Manager. His working success progressed when he moved to San Francisco, gaining recognition as Manager of Operations. He was then promoted to MD as President and CEO of Pathfinder in Bethesda, until the year 1993 which saw George retiring and returning to cattle ranching in Sandpoint, ID.
Four years later in 1997, George fell lucky when Campbell Resources of Toronto proposed the position of General Manager and Vice President of Panamanian Gold Operations to him. George was ideal for the job and used his many years of experience and skills to fix an assortment of errors and technical problems within the first year. Implementing expertise saw the development of school lunch programs, local hiring programs, environmental programs, environmental protection and much more. Sadly, the gold market saw major depression in 1999 and this resulted in the company cancelling further developments; forcing George Simchuk to retire. However, this turned into a positive when George found the time to travel East Africa, which has been a lifelong dream.
The year 2006 saw George resume his role as General Manager of Glamis Gold’s Mexico operation. Once again, George’s skills came to good use here where he worked closely with local government issues, low employee morale and technical issues. Two years later, Glamis Gold assigned him to help with an up and coming development based in the State of Zacatecas. Once this assignment was completed, George retired to undergo volunteer work in the US. George then went on to travel East Africa, completing tasks such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and exploring the safari. As well as this he camped in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania gaining a totally different outlook on life as he did so.
One of his greatest achievements came after he learnt to fly in Chile. His continuous flying of a single engine airplane for the past 45 years saw him volunteering for a position as pilot for Flying Medical Service in Arusha, Tanzania. George Simchuk was required to assist with medical supplies and the treatment of sick children. This experience was life changing for George and when his funds came to an end, he returned to the US where he now frequently participates in flying cancer patients from their home areas to major cities. His airplane is used on a regular basis for this, and also for ‘Challenge Air’, which is a special organization that works to uplift the spirits of troubled children.
A memorable time included his work with a challenged young boy named Caleb when involved with the Chairman of Challenge Air for Children. Caleb, never having flown before managed to speak his first words of pure excitement as he embraced his first flying experience. This saw George Simchuk receiving a rewarding feeling. As well as helping others, George enjoys to serve with ‘Lighthawk’, which is a non-profit organization based on protecting the environment. Another of his passions being trekking, George has trekked in some unbelievable areas such as the Annapurna Mountain range of Nepal and various areas of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Pacific Northwest. George Simchuk is an intriguing character with many kind-hearted credentials. As well as this, his passion for life is truly remarkable.
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