George Manybears, a beloved Coeur d'Alene Tribal member and longtime resident of the DeSmet and Tensed area, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on July 9, 2026, at the age of 63, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

George was born on April 28, 1963, to Francis and Inez (Cherrapkin) Manybears. He spent his early years on old Sanders Road before later moving to Spokane to live with his grandmother. He attended Lewis and Clark High School and continued his education for a time at Spokane Falls Community College.

George was a proud father of seven children. In the mid-1990s, he met the love of his life, Monica Finlay. After sharing decades together, they were united in marriage on May 22, 2026. Together they made their home on Sanders Road, where George took great pride in creating a place filled with love, hard work, and beautiful surroundings.

Throughout his life, George was known as one of the hardest workers you could ever meet. No matter where he worked - at a bakery, as a line cook, a bingo server, at Cut and Sew, or later at Ace Hardware, he earned the admiration and friendship of those around him. He eventually retired from Ace Hardware because of declining health.

George had a remarkable ability to do just about anything he set his mind to. He took pride in every task, possessed a natural talent for working with his hands, and was meticulous in caring for his immaculate yard. He was also an avid music lover whose playlist included favorites such as Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Pearl Jam, Queen, AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, and Mötley Crüe. In his free time, he enjoyed visiting the casino, collecting model airplanes and helicopters, and spending time with those he loved.

Above all, George treasured his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Monica Manybears; stepfather Armond Juneau; his children, Ellysa Manybears, Cynthia Manybears, Krystal Yallup, Natacha Collier, Nathan Clem, and Dennell Collier; and his cherished grandchildren: Anthony Allen, Bessy Miller, Jasmyne Wicklund, Evan Doran, Lola Doran, Elias Manybears, Kate Manybears, Geri Manybears, Vincent Yallup, Elizabeth Yallup, Madison Allen, Joshua Allen, Curtis Abrahamson, Fawn Abrahamson, Daisy Abrahamson-Wolfe, Lucas Lowley, and Olivia Boyd; siblings Lisa Garcia and Christine Garcia. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, and fellow Tribal members who will deeply miss his quiet strength, kind heart, and steady presence. He is preceded in death by his ex-wife Nadine, mother Inez Juneau, father Francis Manybears, grandmother Seraphie Cherrapkin, brother Zeno Garcia, sister Juanita Garcia, daughter Ruby Miller, nephews William Davidson Jr. and David Matt, and niece Veronica Matt.

George's family would like to thank everyone who supported him throughout his courageous journey with cancer. Though his life ended far too soon, the love he shared, the work ethic he exemplified, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rosary was recited on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the Evan Abraham Longhouse in DeSmet, Idaho. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, July 13, 2026, followed by interment at Sacred Heart Mission Cemetery in DeSmet, Idaho.