The Puget Sound Section of the American Chemical Society is deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. George S. Kriz, Jr., longtime member, mentor, and professor of chemistry at Western Washington University. George passed away on July 8, 2025 at the age of 85 in Bellingham, Washington.
A native of Santa Cruz, California, George earned his B.S. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley and his Ph.D. from Indiana University, followed by postdoctoral studies at The Ohio State University and the University of Montpellier. He joined the faculty at Western Washington University, where he spent his entire career inspiring generations of students and colleagues. George served as a Councilor for the ACS Puget Sound Section for many years. George was also instrumental in founding the Washington College Chemistry Teachers Association (WCCTA).
Together with Drs. Donald Pavia and Gary Lampman, George coauthored several widely adopted textbooks on organic chemistry laboratory techniques and spectroscopy—works that shaped chemistry education around the world. His dedication to teaching earned him the Peter J. Elich Excellence in Teaching Award in 2000 and the ACS Division of Chemical Education’s Distinguished Service Award in 2010.
Even after retiring from the classroom, George continued to guide students as Director of Advising for Pre-Healthcare Professions, approaching each conversation with humor, empathy, and enthusiasm. Within the Puget Sound Section, he was a generous mentor who encouraged young chemists and shared his deep love for science and education.
Beyond chemistry, George loved music, opera, and the arts, serving on the Bellingham Theatre Guild’s Board of Directors and singing with the Whatcom Chorale. His warmth, curiosity, and kindness enriched every community he touched.
He will be greatly missed, but his influence endures through his students, his colleagues, and the generations of chemists he inspired.
Steven Emory
Western Washington University