On June 17, 2022, George Way, passed away peacefully at the age of 76.
George was born in Johnson City, New York to Charles and Lillian Way (Barton). After graduating high school, he served in the United States Navy and was stationed in Panama during the Vietnam War. The Navy awarded George with a Distinguished Service Medal for his meritorious service. After being honorably discharged, George attended Arizona State University where he received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology and Bachelor’s in Architecture. He went on to get his Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Houston.
George started his architectural career as a design consultant, and after obtaining his Master’s Degree, harnessed his entrepreneurial spirit to become a founder, Vice President and shareholder of the architecture firm Tackett Way Lodholz, Inc. in Houston, Texas. Their work was honored nationally in several publications for innovative passive solar and environmental design. Additionally, George was a well-respected teacher, lecturer, and keynote speaker on passive solar design. Elements of this design philosophy are threaded throughout his career.
After relocating to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1982, George started Way Architects, PC, a commercial architectural firm focused on multifamily housing. His body of work includes office, retail, hospitality, multifamily and senior housing projects in Colorado and numerous other states. Many of the multifamily developments that George designed were financed through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities access to affordable housing. These projects often have additional requirements and limitations, but George remained passionate about creating affordable communities that enhance the lives of their residents while providing sustainable, energy-conscious spaces.
Ever the entrepreneur, George also branched out into real estate investment and development. George’s experiences produced an uncommon ability to understand the roles of owner, investor and architect. This perspective provided significant value to many clients who appreciated his ability to relate to them with personal knowledge and experience.
George was active in his community and supported a number of charitable causes. He served as President of the Board of Directors for Sunny Vista Living Center and remained an active advisor for a number of years.
While George was dedicated to his profession, he also approached his free time with equal passion and enthusiasm. His interests and talents were vast and varied. George was always reading and learning new things. Most recently, he completed courses to obtain an amateur radio operator license. George would say that it’s always important to learn something new every day.
George started sailing on the St. Lawrence River at an early age under the tutelage of his older brother. His love of the craft continued throughout his life. He was happiest when out on the water. Some of his favorite trips included power boating from Florida to the Bahamas and leisurely helming his sailboat between destinations in the British Virgin Islands.
Traveling to see new places, eating different cuisines, and experiencing diverse cultures were a few things George loved about traveling. A couple of his most memorable trips included a journey through Italy and an adventure to Machu Picchu.
He always was fascinated by astronomy and carried with him a natural curiosity about the world. George was a giving and caring individual who took on the mantle of peacemaker and steadfast supporter for those he loved. Anyone who knew George was touched by his kindness, humor, and mild temperament.
He will be greatly missed, and we all will carry a piece of his legacy with us.
George is survived by his life partner, Stephanie Egan and her son, Jesse Egan; his two children, David (Stephanie) Way and Alicia (Brett) Buckingham; his grandchildren, Bennett, Colin, Wylie and Ryder; his sister-in-law, Frances Way; and his nieces and nephew, Wendy Way, Amber Hunter and Andrew Way.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at the Broadmoor Community Church, located at 315 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906 at 4:00 p.m.
Flowers may be sent to the Broadmoor Community Church between 11:30 am and 3:30 pm on Saturday, July 16, 2022 addressed to George Way Services, or memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the following organizations:
1) Architecture and Design Fund, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, P.O. Box 867, Houston, TX 77001-0867
2) Sunny Vista Living Center, 2445 E Cache La Poudre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Keith Barnett
24 Jun 2022David, though I did not know your Dad he sounds like he was a very Interesting person. Me and my family send our deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope his exuberant life holds many positive memories for you and may you have solace in that.
Nancy Amerson
25 Jun 2022Fond memories of a very dear friend. You will be missed George…
Nicole Rivet
27 Jun 2022George, you were one of the kindest, most gentle people I had the pleasure of knowing. You and Stephanie (Star) always welcomed me with generosity and warmth into your home and lives. My life is richer for knowing you. You will be missed.
Deborah Gray
27 Jun 2022To Stephanie, David, Alicia and all family members. I loved George, I was fortunate for the last 29+ years to see him every 5 weeks. I loved our conversations, challenging questioning, and his easy going demeanor. Heartfelt condolences to all of you, June 17 the earth sighed mourning the loss of a good one. We look forward to celebrating George and his stories with you all.
Warmly, and lovingly,
Deb and Bob Gray
Tim Ridner
27 Jun 2022Very sorry to here of Georges’ passing. He was a professional colleague who worked with our Company on several projects in Colorado Springs. Always enjoyed speaking to him about projects, and about our lives and interests. A true gentlemen and peaceful soul. God bless his family during this difficult time.
Erin Bonham
28 Jun 2022George was one of the most genuine people I had the opportunity to work with over the past 20 years, his insightful and calm demeanor will be missed dearly.
Brother Luck
29 Jun 2022What an amazing man. He will be dearly missed and I’m honored to have spent time with him talking food, travels, and wine
Anonymous
29 Jun 2022To George’s family. I was a young kid. Early on my career. Met George on a plane and pitched him our company. We kept in touch and eventually I had the honor of working with George. George was a treasured friend and client from est 1995 to now. We would meet, he was always expecting excellence, and would love to meet in “the office” at the Famous. George, you were a beautiful man and I love you and appreciate you were in my life. God speed and enjoy those sails in the sky.
Tina Luck
29 Jun 2022George was one of my first clients who quickly turned into a friend. He let me take him to crazy dinners and embraced the show Brother put on. I’ll never forget going to “his office” to talk shop and appreciate the life advice he gave to my husband and I. George, I hope you’re sailing your heart out today!
Elizabeth Dapper
29 Jun 2022George, you were a bright soul in my life. I was a young kid when I met you on a plane, full of energy to share all the reasons you should consider using our company for property management. You were smart, kind and open. We did end up managing for you but it became a treasured friendship. What a beautiful soul you are and I am grateful my life was blessed with you.
Joe Guydish
2 Jul 2022David
You’re father lived an incredible life and touched the lives of many people. Cherish the memories of your Dad every day. May he rest in peace.
Vicky Hall
3 Jul 2022It was always a pleasure when given the chance to see both George and Stephanie. George was truly loved by many and my heart goes out to all who miss him.
Steven Bernai
12 Jul 2022Dear David, Alicia, and all George Way’s family:
I’m so sorry for your loss and hope many loving memories will soften the hurt of losing such a wonderful man in your lives. My own special journey in life would not have been possible without George’s kind patience, mentorship, and friendship during my time with Way Architects and after. I will never forget his peaceful, positive, and thoughtful nature. George was truly one of the good guys and a great blessing in my life.
My heartfelt condolences, may George rest in peace.
God Bless You All,
Steven A. Bernai
Wayne Timura
15 Jul 2022My condolences. I have good memories of discussing various projects and real estate developments with George over many years.
John Pettit
16 Jul 2022John Pettit
My condolences to the family and the staff at Way Architect’s. Though the many years of HUD projects, I have had the privilege to work along side George. I will miss the warm smile, the infectious knowledge, wisdom, and guidence during our journey through the years. Most of all I consider him as my friend more so than associate. Rest in peace my friend.
Neil Katz
16 Jul 2022It is my honor and privilege to know George Way. After I graduated architecture school many years ago, George gave me my first job. He was a patient and thoughtful teacher, made my experience the best possible and we quickly became good friends as well as coworkers. I remained at Way Architects for many years, happy to be in the most comfortable work environment and always learning from George. He was fun, creative, compassionate and always present. I consider myself very lucky to witness his guidance, humor and compassion. My condolences to the Way family and all who are deeply saddened. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Neil Katz
George Lowen
16 Jul 2022Stephanie, Alicia, David and Family,
Ruthie and I send our deepest sympathy and condolence on the loss of your family member.
George and I were business partners for over 37-years; we enjoyed a deep friendship and common interest. I will cherish many memories of time spent working on our jags, going to the vintage races in Steamboat and to Bondurant Racetrack for our day of training and racing.
George was a gifted architect, developer and businessman; he was one of the most intelligent people that I have known.
Ruthie, Mary Louise and Ralph have special memories of time spent with George.
The last time that I saw George was our lunch to celebrate his birthday. I told George that he looked great with his Ernest Hemingway beard; he told me that it fit the part of a sailor getting ready to sail the Caribbean.
Our friend and partner will be greatly missed- Godspeed and great sailing on your journey home.
George and Ruthie Lowen
Arika Meek
15 Aug 2022George was one of the biggest parts of our lives. Avory loves and misses him so much. She misses him saying there’s my two favorite girls when her and Steph would walk into into his off afterschool to get a slice of pizza at louies. I miss the conversations and I’m going to miss how kind he was. and the adventures he and Steph would take us on, From the BVI sailing to trans Siberian orchestra, and our weekend brunch’s always at Rudys. Sitting down as a family and eating amazing meals every thanksgiving, Christmas, and all the random ones in-between. He always endorsed my love of Harry Potter, and I endorsed his love of Star Wars by buying each other memorabilia. He was more then an uncle to me and Avory. Life isn’t the same knowing to do get to talk to you anymore. Sail the seven seas and beyond. we love you George.
Anonymous
12 Sep 2023A wonderful and compassionate man, George helped me through the daunting challenges of Regional and I was also privileged to have painted his treasured Jaguar E Type many years ago. Unaware of his passing until recently, all my memories of George are happy and will be treasured forever. Jim Verhey