Dr. George E. Ewan, 95, of Sheridan, WY died Wednesday, October 31, 2012, in Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.

George was born on May 4, 1917 in Bushnell, Illinois, a small farm town in west central Illinois. He was the only child of his parents, Robert and Jessie (Rector) Ewan.

He attended Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois followed by a dental degree from Northwestern University. He later obtained an Orthodontic degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He served almost four years in the U. S. Navy as a dentist in a Seabee Battalion. He landed on Omaha Beach D-Day plus 4 as his unit helped build the needed port facility to speed the delivery of men and war materials. George achieved the field grade rank of Lieutenant Commander. He married Vickie Telander of Sheridan on June 10, 1942. They had met on a blind date in Chicago. They lived in several places until moving to Sheridan in 1948. Mrs. Ewan died on October 25, 1996.

In his own words, "My orthodontic practice in Sheridan was from 1948 to 1989. It permitted me to serve families who wanted something better for their children. My professional orthodontic associations made it possible for me to confer and study with top professionals who were striving to provide better treatment."

George absolutely loved his many years in Sheridan.

George is survived by his children; Bob Ewan, University Place, WA, Jeannie Ewan, Foster City, CA, Linda Ewan Arbaugh, Milpitas, CA, Mary Beth Lorenzen, Arroyo Grande, CA and 3 grandchildren, Lindsay Ewan Rashid, Katie Ewan Collins, and Mike Arbaugh. Also, his very close friend Mary Burgess of Sheridan, especially for the past 16 years after they lost their respective spouses.

George was a member of Clan MacEwan of Loch Fyne, Scotland (very proud of his Scottish Heritage). He was a member of American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), past President Rotary Club, school board member in 50s and 60s, past President of both Wyoming State School Board Association and National School Board Association. He was a long time member of 1st Congregational Church, YMCA, Lodge #8 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Kalif Shrine. He served on the board of the Genesis Foundation, Salvation Army, Whitney Foundation, Sheridan College Foundation and was instrumental in establishing the dental hygienist program at the college in early 70s. George volunteered many hours at the Veterans Hospital for 20 years.

George traveled extensively in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Canada, and Mexico. He loved animals, especially dogs. He put braces on a quarter horse to correct a severe overbite; the horse was saved and dubbed "Ortho" by his family. He had a great sense of humor and loved his family and many friends.

Memorial service will be 2:00pm on Friday (Nov. 9th) from First Congregational Church with the Rev. Dwight Welch officiating. A reception will follow the service at the Kalif Shrine. The Ewan family would especially enjoy meeting with George’s many friends at the reception. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Memorials may benefit the Salvation Army, Sheridan College Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.