Wayne C. George

Wayne C. George Monroe, Utah - Wayne Clifton George, age 51, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully back to our Heavenly Father’s embrace on November 9, 2003 after his 21 month battle with cancer. He was blessed with great joy and rejoicing during his last months surrounded by his wonderful family. He frequently remarked that with our “new” children (sons and daughters-in-law) we now have a “baker’s dozen”. Family has always been Wayne’s most important priority; finding time to hunt, four wheel, fish, go to the Temple, travel and just enjoy visiting with his family were his favorite parts of life. Wayne was born in Marysville, California, on March 18, 1952, a son of Clifton and Bonniebelle Morton George. The family lived in Marysville until the Feather River overflowed it’s banks and caused the Yuba City Flood, which left six feet of water and mud in their new home at Christmas time, but since all of the family was safe, that was all that counted. They moved to Sacramento, CA shortly after the flood and Wayne was baptized at eight along with his Grandpa and Grandma Morton. Wayne started racing quarter midget cars at 9 and 10 and won several races including the Northern California Championship in 1962. Sports were always a big part of his life and playing football, basketball and golf were his main activities in high school. After graduation in 1970 from Ponderosa High, he enlisted in the Air Force reserves so he could keep going to college until and if he was activated. Then in 1971 he Becky Copeland and they married August 15, 1972 in the Oakland LDS Temple. They lived in the Sacramento area, working and going to college, while having their first two daughters. They moved to Truckee, CA in 1977, which was their home until 1991. In Truckee, they added four sons and another daughter to their family. Wayne worked at Truckee Sanitary Agency as an inspector as well as being the Bishop for Tahoe North Ward and counselor for several other Bishops during the wonderful years in the Tahoe area. Hiking, camping, four wheeling and fishing in the surrounding mountains and lakes are the basis for many found family memories. However, winters could be very severe in the area with up to 27 feet of snow at times, and the lure of a quiet little green valley in Monroe, Utah, called the family to a new adventure in 1991. Wayne loved the Monroe Valley and worked hard to be able to make a living in several totally new endeavors. He started back to college Snow College so he could work on finishing his degree so he could keep up with his children. Then in January 2002 when the cancer was found, a new battle began. He fought through all the chemotherapy, radiation and kept an excellent attitude and gave all around him admiration for his courage. Wayne is survived by his wife of 31 years, Rebecca Alana Copeland George; his children: Victoria and Nick Patsantaras of Grand Junction, CO; Elizabeth and Chris Crismon, Michael and Laura George, all of Monroe; UT; Adam and Emily George, Andrew and Sarah George, all of Cedar City, UT; Catherine and Robert Florang of St. George, UT; his grandchildren: Zoe Elizabeth Crismon; Brianna Eileen George, Justin Michael George and Alexander Craig Florang. He is predeceased by his son, Matthew Charles George; his father, Clifton George; his brother, Richard George, and his mother, Bonniebelle just died October 18, 2003. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 15, 2003 at 12 Noon in the Monroe LDS Stake Center, 140 South Main Street in Monroe, where friends may call for viewing Saturday from 10:00 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made the Wayne C. George memorial fund, care of Wells Fargo Bank, 45 West Center Street in Monroe, UT 84754. Phone #435-527-4602. Your thoughtful contributions will assist to defray the expenses associated with Wayne’s illness. Thank you to Dr. Crimin and all the wonderful staff at IHC Hospice Group who have assisted our family. Thank you to all of our friends and neighbors who have extended prayers on our behalf. We love and appreciate all of you. Funeral Directors: Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah.