George Christ, Class of 1965

George Christ ’65 died Dec. 27, 2021. He was born May 2, 1943. George graduated from Parma High School in 1961 and went on to Otterbein College, where he graduated in 1965 with a B.A. in Education. At Otterbein, George ran track and cross country, lettered multiple times, and was a team captain his senior year. He enjoyed his time and brothers at Eta Phi Mu (Jonda) fraternity and was elected president as a senior. George was hired by Westlake City Schools in 1965 and was excited to start the cross-country team at Westlake High School. The following year, he met his future wife, Betty, an English teacher, who was also a new hire at Parkside Middle School. In his 35 years in Westlake Schools, George was a history teacher, assistant high school principal, middle school principal, and assistant superintendent. When teaching, he enjoyed coaching track and cross country, leading the team to a conference championship.

George was an active father in Boy Scouts, rising to be the Scoutmaster of Troop 41 in 1990. He and Betty attended hundreds Bay High football games, wrestling matches, and gymnastic and track meets. George was active in Westlake Kiwanis and was the President for two terms. After retiring from Westlake Schools, he was hired at Mohican Outdoor School, eventually becoming the Director. George enjoyed Lake Erie on his WaveRunner and taught safe boating to hundreds of teenage children over the years. In his later years, he took on many roles in Bay United Methodist Church, was a HS track and field official (and longtime Westlake Relays supporter), enjoyed his golf league, and held leadership positions in the Bay Boat Club. Recently his favorite job was being “Pop” to his seven grandchildren. He was always ready with a corny joke or good-natured tease. He will be missed by so many.
Survived by wife Betty Clendenin Christ; children Ryan Christ (Patricia), Andrew Christ (Sarah) and Ellen Knotek (Tom); grandchildren Connor, Cora, Chloe, Calex, Anna, Jack, and Sam; and sister Jean Warstler.