George Weyerhaeuser Sr.

George Weyerhaeuser Sr., the fourth-generation heir of his family’s timber company, died Saturday at the age of 95, leaving a lasting legacy on the region and industry. Weyerhaeuser became CEO in 1966, leading the company through 25 years of changes that affect the Fortune 500 company today. “George was an extraordinary person and leader — one of the most influential in the history of the industry,” said Devin Stockfish, president and chief executive officer, in a press release. “Over his many years as president and CEO, he brought transformational changes to our company, including important advances in sustainable, high-yield forestry and wood products research, as well as expansion into overseas markets, among many other achievements.” …In 1935, an 8-year-old George Weyerhaeuser first made headlines when he was kidnapped in Tacoma and held for ransom. According to his obituary, Weyerhaeuser “did not let the experience derail his life nor cloud his feelings toward other people.”