George Perrochet

George M. Perrochet passed away on July 29, 2016 with family by his side. His children and friends will miss his warm humor and keen intellect even as they celebrate his 87 years of personal adventure and professional success. He was a friend and mentor to many, and a great father. He had a way of encouraging people and helping them to be their best.
George grew up on a sailboat in Florida with his mother (Morna) and his Swiss father (Charlo). For a time they lived in the Everglades and he spent some summers with his uncle in Montreal, Canada. Maybe it was this unusual childhood that gave him an explorer’s heart and a special way of looking at the world. He graduated with an engineering degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York, in 1950. George was a deck officer on the SS Bunker Hill, the SS Oscar S. Straus, and during the Korean War, he was a lieutenant (JG) on the aircraft carrier USS Point Cruz. In 2015 George’s name was added to the veteran’s wall at the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden near Mt. Shasta in Siskiyou County, California.
George graduated from UCLA law school and was a founding partner in the firm of Acret & Perrochet that specialized in maritime and construction law. The firm started in Los Angeles and expanded to San Francisco. He was a rarity in legal circles, an admiralty lawyer practicing in the federal courts, and was known for his high ethical standards. He had clients around the world, from Japan to Sweden, and everywhere in between. He affected the lives of many young lawyers in and outside of his law firm. George was highly regarded in the legal community for his brilliance, creativity, and integrity over the course of his decades of law practice.
In addition to being an accomplished lawyer, he was also a sailor and a pilot, and he loved to travel. He took his family and friends on amazing adventures to Central America, Alaska, Europe, and Greece. Ever drawn to the sea, he sailed his boat to Mexico, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska. He especially liked to find places off the beaten path and near a dusty landing strip.
George moved to Yreka about 15 years ago. Although it was the only time George lived away from the ocean, he loved the mountain views, a glass of scotch, and sunsets from his deck in Yreka. George loved to cheer on his grandchildren in their educational endeavors and came to many of their sporting events.
He was loved dearly and will be missed greatly by his four children (Brian, Neal, Julie, and Lisa), and their families, including five grandchildren (Amelia, Riva, Eloise, Kaelen, and Jolie). In lieu of a formal service, we would be grateful to see photos and stories that anyone cares to share about George at this site, or by post or email. Thanks to all of you who were a part of his wonderful life.
Donations in George’s memory may be made to the scholarship fund at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at: USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation, PO Box 222011, Great Neck, NY 11022, noting “In Memory of George Perrochet, 1950” on the check.