George Edward Ziegler passed away on May 24, 2024. He was 89 years old. At the time of his death, he lived in Old Fort, NC where he died peacefully at home.
George was born on March 9, 1935 in Rorschach, Switzerland to Amalie Baumann Ziegler and Joseph Ziegler. He was one of two sons, along with his younger brother Reinhard. He grew up in Scotland, where his family moved when he was a young man, playing football, hiking and rowing. He returned to Switzerland many times, including a trip to fulfill his duty in the Swiss Army. Upon return to Scotland, where he worked in the British Silk Dyeing company (BSD), he met a young woman named Dorothy Jones. They married on April 2,1960 and raised two children, David and Michelle.
As a young man, George attended technical school. He worked in textiles the majority of his career. While working for the British Silk Dyeing Company, he invented and obtained a patent for spiral dyeing, resulting in continuous textile dyeing. He went on to become dye house manager and assumed various jobs in the textile industry in Scotland and the USA.
In 1980, George moved his family to NC where he continued to work for BSD, then known as United Merchants in Old Fort NC, assuming various jobs in textiles.
George had a love of rowing, as a member of the Levenvale Rowing Club where he was involved in many team victories. He was an avid sailor, hiker and adventurer and enjoyed traveling, and frequently visiting family and friends in Scotland and Switzerland. He was a tremendous golfer and member of both the Strathendrick and Old Fort golf clubs for many years. He enjoyed acting, participating in theatrical productions including The King and I and Brigadoon with the Northerners in Scotland, and Foothills Theatre, in Marion and Asheville.
He was an extraordinarily engaged father and grandfather, encouraging his children and grandchildren to participate fully in life, to work hard, push limits, be respectful, do good deeds for others, and speak kindly. One of his proudest accomplishments was being a swim coach for his children, and the local swim club, a passion his children hold to this day. He worked hard and played hard and expected his family to do the same. He led many hiking adventures, built dams, made kites and was often seen playing along with the kids.
He was an admirable man who never judged, was civically minded, instilled a strong work ethic, and led by example. He constantly helped a neighbor or friend with their car, or house project, or yard, or lent a tool, never expecting anything in return. He looked for ways to help and was rarely idle.
He was physically active and healthy, until facing multiple significant health challenges in his later years. With a positive attitude and hard work, to the delight of those who loved him, he overcame significant challenges, demonstrating incredible strength and resilience.
George was an elder in the Church of Scotland for many years before joining the Marion First Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir and served as a deacon, on the clergy search committee, and Sunday school superintendent. He was a member of the Marion Kiwanis Club and a Scout leader during his son's teenage years. Later in life, he was a substitute teacher and drove a school bus for many years for McDowell County Schools, jobs he enjoyed very much. He volunteered to teach swimming at the YMCA and served as a hospice companion bringing comfort and companionship to others. He enjoyed nothing more, in his later years, than going to the Marion YMCA, to share fun and fellowship. Special thanks to the staff and members at the YMCA who looked out for him. It takes a village, and you were part of his. We are eternally grateful.
He enjoyed great food, and an occasional scotch. He appreciated music and good friends; and was famous for sharing a good joke. He loved his wife dearly, took great pride in his family, and was always ready and willing to help others.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Ziegler of Old Fort, NC; his brother, Reinhard Ziegler and partner Reudi Widmer of St Gallen, Switzerland; his son, David and daughter-in-law Paige, of Marion, NC; his daughter, Michelle and son-in-law Patrick, of Midlothian, VA; his grandchildren, Megan (Alan) Barrier of Marion, NC, Katelan (Scot) Worley of Canton, NC, Sarah Lilly (Christian Markwart) of Arlington VA, and Quinn Lilly of Quantico, VA; his great-grandchildren, Ruby and Rhilee Barrier of Marion NC, and Carter, Bryce, Foster, and Finley of Canton, NC; along with many friends and extended family members in Scotland, Switzerland, and the USA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Amalie Baumann Ziegler and Joseph Ziegler.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Marion, NC, Wednesday, May 29th at 5:00pm. Please join the family in the fellowship hall following the service.
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