George W. Halas Jr.

Dec 12, 1947 -

Aug 31, 2025

Born in Gary, Ind., in 1947, George Halas Jr. grew up in the Houston, Texas, area. He was an accomplished student, excelling in pole vaulting and diving.

He was introduced to the wine industry with a sales position at Gallo Winery in the early 1980s in Colorado, and from there a legend was born. In the mid-1980s George moved to Alaska in a sales position with Alaska Distributors out of Ketchikan and Juneau.

From there George moved to Anchorage, Alaska, and joined the ranks of K&L Distributors as the beer manager for Olympia and Hamm's. A few years later, George moved into a role to represent the K&L brands in the remote areas of the Alaskan far north and the Aleutian chain. George loved representing Budweiser as the "Budman."

Upon his retirement in 2018, George joined the sales team of Heritage Distilling Company, where he represented the company's products across the Last Frontier.

Among his many loves, Maui, real estate, Iditarod, travel and adventures, horticulture, a good glass of Chardonnay, 12-year Macallan Scotch, a Budweiser ice cold in the can, a good meal out and spending time with his friends and family.

George is survived by his nieces, nephews-in-law, great-nieces and great-nephews, daughter and three grandchildren, as well as his great many friends which he treated like family.

A special thank you to the Alaska Regional Hospital medical sixth floor staff and doctors who went over and above in care and support.

A George Halas Gathering will take place to share remembrances and good times, on Wednesday Sept. 24, 2025, from 3-7p.m. (ish), at Los Arcos, 2000 East Dowling Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.