Richard George

Richard George was one of the few extraordinary men in this world whose legacy will truly be forever unmatched. It was easy to see by his every thought, word, and deed that he genuinely cared deeply for all those around him. Richard lived for his family and worked tirelessly to provide them with a comfortable life filled with security and safety. He was a firm believer in accomplishing great things through good old hard work and as someone who was content in all things, Richard’s choices exemplified what it means to make due with what you have. The lives of so many will be forever changed because of his kind and tender touch.

Nestled within the vibrant decade that is commonly remembered as the Roaring Twenties was the year 1922 that brought great joy to one young couple from Chicago, Illinois, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on January 3rd. Baby Richard Lofton was born in a chilly attic on the southwest side of the city during a terrible snowstorm. His parents, Robert and Florence (Socha) George couldn’t have been happier, and they later welcomed Richard’s five younger siblings, Marilyn, Daniel, Eugene, Carol, and George Michael Jr. Richard’s father worked at the Chicago's Main Railroad downtown, while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Although the family home was in the suburbs, Richard loved the fast pace and bright lights of the city and enjoyed things like fishing, swimming, and riding the El.

The George family was a close group and remained as such throughout Richard’s entire life. He loved outdoor activities with his uncle, Ted, but he had exceptionally close relationships with his brothers, Daniel and Eugene. There was also the time Richard needed to defend his sister, Marilyn, from a bully after school as he always took his role as the older brother very seriously.

For his education Richard attended local schools including Harper High School in Chicago where he was involved in the ROTC.

After graduating from high school in 1940, Richard was ready to embark on the next phase in his life’s journey. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII beginning in 1942. He was discharged as a private first class in 1945, and on September 13, 1947, he was awarded the Victory Medal.

Not to be forgotten during Richard’s years as a young man was his introduction to the young girl who stole his heart. Her name was Beatrice Freeman and they were introduced by his brothers, Daniel and Eugene, who noticed her in the park while they were cruising around town one day. Richard picked up his date the next day, and as the story goes the rest is history. It was love at first sight, and they both loved having fun and socializing with their huge family including brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins, and more. They complimented each other as well since Richard was the outgoing leader type while Beatrice was rather quiet and shy. After falling in love they naturally began talking about marriage, and little did Beatrice know but Richard already had the marriage license in his pocket! They decided to get married one day on a whim as they walked past a Methodist church in Long Beach, California, becoming husband and wife on October 22, 1944.

The couple was thrilled to welcome four children into their hearts and home: Florence, Robert, Carol, and Barbara. As fathers go Richard’s children would say they got the very best as he was attentive, involved, and loving all rolled into one. Their home was always filled with music, laughter, and unconditional love. Richard did whatever he could to make life fun for his children, continually teaching them new things. They loved going to the beach and swimming in the backyard pool. They loved playing the shark game. There was nothing like Sunday mornings spent in bed with their dad reading the funnies, and he always seemed to be working on some sort of project for his kids as well as the neighborhood kids to enjoy. He will always be cherished for those special memories he created.

To support his family Richard worked as a truck driver, and he took his role as the provider in the family very seriously. He appreciated being able to earn a good living. As a child of the Great Depression he wanted to make sure his family was taken care of and felt secure. Richard was a devoted worker who was always the first man out and the last man in each day. He truly loved what he did and enjoyed driving even later in life. Richard, his wife and his beloved canine companion, Sam, loved going for leisurely drives. Richard enjoyed meeting new people through his work and in the neighborhood.

With his free time Richard was always one to keep busy. He could fix anything electronic and always made sure he had the latest technology when it came to his televisions, record players, and speakers. Richard was known to blast his music and loved singing and dancing along with his wife and children in the front room. He and Betty also loved to catch Ed Sullivan and Lawrence Welk on television. As a young boy Richard always wanted a new Red Ryder BB gun, and this dream finally came to true on his 75th birthday.

Later in life Richard and Beatrice moved to Michigan to be near their children. He regularly went out for a drive and ended up dropping by to see one of his children and their families.

We will remember Richard George for his hats and funny outfits, his fun-loving spirit, and his love for the open road, but it will be his genuine love and concern for others that will be his shining legacy. He was a hero three times over, risking is own life for the safety of others, and couldn’t have been more proud of his family. Richard will be deeply missed.

Richard George died on February 11, 2012. Richard’s family includes his wife, Beatrice; children, Florence (Alan) Adrian of Ossineke, Robert George of Alpena, Carol Fischer of Ossineke, and Barbara (James) O’Brien of Pinconning, MI; 11 grandchildren, Brandie (Randy) Gapske, Alan (Amanda) Adrian II, Andre’ (Jill) Fournier, Angela (Thomas) Cantillon, Daniel George, JaneAnn George, Richard (Jessie) Fischer, Elisha (Steven) McFalda, Katherine Fischer, Julia O’Brien, and Braden O’Brien; 11 great-grandchildren, Jacob & Lauren Gapske, Dailen & Alan Adrian III, Autumn Rose Fournier, Ava, Madelyn & Sierra Cantillon, Lana & Steven James McFalda, Lillian Mysliwski; and sister, Marilyn Michaels of Long Beach, CA. Richard was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Meyers; three brothers, Daniel and Eugene George and George Michaels Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Mary George. Family and friends will gather at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena on Thursday, February 16, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Gene Bacon officiating. Military honors provided by VFW Post #2496 will follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Huron Humane Society. Please visit Richard’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory.