About George Ledbetter

I was born in on March 11, 1934 in Ellensburg, Washington. My family and I lived in the Puyallup valley under the shadow of Mount Rainier. I graduated from Puyallup High School In 1952. Joined the Navy during the Korean Conflict. Served at the Ship Repair Facility in Yokosuka, Japan for 25 months. Finished my tour of duty in Tacoma, Washington at the Pacific Reserve Fleet.

In 1956 I married, Jo Ann; and subsequently became the father of three children. Worked for Washington Natural Gas Company, a Seattle based company for 34 years. Attended the University of Puget Sound, and Seattle University evenings and summer. Received a BA and a MBA while working full time.

A few people accused me of working for the company to support my habit of running half marathons, 10 K's, a few marathons, a couple of triathlons, bicycle rides, scuba diving, cross country skiing, snow showing, boating, hiking and climbing Mount Rainer a couple of times.

My wife, Sue, and I were married in 1983. We have five children in our blended family Michele who is deceased, Michael, Aimee, Janee and Marcia. When our eldest daughter Michele died at the age of 31 resulting from complications of juvenile diabetes we were devastated.

In 1990 I retired from Washington Energy Company. We lived on The Maris Stella, a 46’ sailing catch for about 9 years. Sold our boat and moved to Tucson five years ago. I became a certified personal fitness trainer and an Independent Distributor for Isagenix International™. Continued my life long habit of exercising to stay fit.

I read a report stating there are 18 million people with diabetes in the U. S. and 1.8 million children have this dreaded disease. Children as young as 4 years of age are insulin dependent. We need to find a cure!

Last year we decided that I would ride my bicycle from Mexico to Canada to raise money for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in memory of our daughter Michele who died from juvenile diabetes at 31 years of age. Our youngest daughter Marcia was diagnosed with diabetes within a few months of her sister's death.

My Mexico to Canada bicycle ride will start June 12, 2005 in Nogales Mexico and meander through Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana and end when my bicycle wheels role on a Canadian road. My wife Sue will be my support team and driver the “Inspiration/Sag Wagon”.

Please join our effort by making a tax exempt contribution to the ADA in memory of Michele and all people that have died from this disease.

If you would like to contact George to find out how he has maintained his good health please send him an e-mail and he will be happy to tell you!