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BORN
1950
DIED
2010
George DeBacker Obituary
George DeBacker of Lompoc, CA died Thursday September 16th, 2010 after a four-year courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Monroe, Michigan March 15th, 1950 to Maurice and Evelyn DeBacker. George graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1968. He then attended Detroit College of Applied Sciences prior to serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. Following his service, George worked for General Motors in Detroit, Michigan. One year later, he moved to Lompoc, CA and worked on VAFB as an automotive technician. He then began his thirty-four year career working at GSA (General Services Administration), retiring as an Automotive Equipment Specialist in July 2010.
Known to his friends as "Camaro George" or "The Car Man", George was highly respected for his deep knowledge of a wide array of automobiles, especially Chevrolets. He had a passion for restoring cars to perfection with expert detail. When not at work, he was most often found in his garage doing what he loved; working on cars. Locally, he was a very sought after auto-body and paint specialist. George also raced cars for years, which led him to develop a concept prototype safety device that is currently used on every Nascar racecar.
He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice DeBacker. He is survived by his wife Melissa DeBacker; his mother Evelyn DeBacker of Lompoc, CA; his sister Roberta Williams of Brownstown, MI; his brother Mike DeBacker (Carol) of Lompoc, CA; and his children: daughter Shannon Maguid (Shantia) of Hillsboro, OR, daughter Julie DeBacker (Arash) of Warren, OH, son Kevin DeBacker of New York, NY, daughter Tiffany DeBacker of Chico, CA, and stepson Joseph Martin of Lompoc, CA.
George was always willing to help a friend. He put others before himself even through his own struggle with cancer. Throughout his illness, he remained an encouragement and inspiration to others. George was generous, had an incredible sense of humor, loved to make people laugh with his many pranks, and was always quick to joke.
His service will be held at Trinity Church of The Nazarene at 500 East North Ave. on Thursday, September 23rd at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to American Cancer Society, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, 133 E. De La Guerra St. #163, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org, or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George DeBacker
October 1, 2010
George, you are terribly missed. We all have comfort knowing that you are no longer suffering. You lived life to the fullest, and made a friend with everyone that came your way. You were one of a kind, and were taken away from us way too soon. Rest in peace.
Linda Dullen
September 26, 2010
He was a great friend, mentor and cooworker! He will be missed tremendously. You could always count on him for smile and a good laugh.
He was one in a million.
Linda Dullen
Renee
September 25, 2010
Melissa and Vickie & familys, I am so sorry for your loss! Just talked to George a couple months ago at my job(auto parts) where I would talk to him occasionally and he looked so good and was his cheerful self! I know he will be very, very missed!My prayers are with you!
Valda Goodgame
September 24, 2010
George played a large roll in saving my husband Fred's life. George encouraged Fred to have a check-up. It really made Fred think about what George was going through. (And all the time with smile on his face). Fred did get the test and the doctors found a precancerous polup. Now Fred is healthy and is checked regularly. I thank God for George. Fred and I will miss him whenever we look at the car George painted for us way back in 1981.
May God bless you all.
Val Goodgame
Formerly of 3418 Via Dona Lompoc
Jon Mello
September 24, 2010
I first met George not long after I moved to Lompoc, almost 20 years ago. I was out driving around in my '67 Camaro looking for an old '68 Z/28 Camaro that I used to own as I knew it had been sold to somebody in Lompoc but didn't know much more than that. When I drove by George's house, there was the car! Of course George was out front working on a car project so we got to talking and quickly realized our shared passion for early Camaros and really all things Chevrolet. I truly came to value his friendship as he was a first-class person with many talents, a great sense of humor and a heart of gold. Just a wonderful guy that I am going to miss terribly. My wife and kids will miss him also and we've still got the basketball hoop in the backyard that he brought over for my kids to enjoy. My heartfelt prayers and condolences to George's family and friends. Thank God he is no longer suffering and is in a better place. Jon, Rachel, Elizabeth & Timothy Mello
david segura
September 24, 2010
To the Debacker family, sorry for your loss. George you will be missed. I really enjoyed the time we spent talking about cars. when I brought my camaro over you told me everything there was to know about a 67 camaro. Well I finished my car ,Sorry you were unable to see it in person, I know you will look in on us from time to time so i will leave the passenger seat open for you. I will always remember you..
Rita Kline/Fuller/Muir
September 23, 2010
To Mike and family I have just heard and I am so sorry for your loss. I met george through my ex husband Norm Fuller. George stayed my friend after our divorce and got to know my husband Mike before we moved from Lompoc. I will always have memories of him at our home with the kids for holiday parties. And Mike you too. Sorry I lost touch with you all. Rita Kline Fuller Muir
Ken Timmons
September 23, 2010
George was always a joy to run into. He was a dear friend to my father and always treated me as if I was a dear friend also. I really enjoyed seeing his Camaros at shows and have always dreamed of the day that I could possibly get him to sell one to me. George was a greatr man and the entire Lompoc area truely has lost a one of a kind man. My heart goes out to the family, although I know he is in a better place. God speed my friend!
Hugo Della Zanna
September 23, 2010
To the DeBacker family,
It is hard to believe that one of my best friends will no longer be hanging out with me at Starbucks, working on a car in Mission Hills or sharing some Lasagna I made with him and his family. He had quite a sense of humor, a man of integrity, one I was proud to call as my friend and will miss him deeply. I can only hope and pray that our Lord will comfort you in this time of loss. Hold dear to those precious memories that you have of him and how he touched so many lives. May the Peace of Jesus fill your hearts and bless your family.
J & B Grisco
September 23, 2010
We miss George's phone calls and that voice that tried to sound so cheerful through his pain. God took his pain, and gave him peace. Bless his family there.
So sorry this part of his family are unable to be there. May they find comfort that he no longer suffers. Stand strong Melissa and Joe, he loved you. God bless all of you.
Melissa's Mom and Dad
Clay & Yvette Turner
September 23, 2010
Words cannot describe the loss to the world with the passing of George. Through his actions, George represented to me fortitude, wisdom, determination and the fact that life is worth fighting for.
George embodied everything that should be coveted in American society.
What I will miss most will be the insightful views of microcosms in life that George would share during our talks, and the incredible optimism he always radiated that would swell hope in my heart for our future world.
God Bless George and the entire Debacker family.
Scott & Sue Penn
September 22, 2010
DeBaker Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
September 21, 2010
i met george about 6 years .we became friend from that time foward.i stop by when he was working on cars at hes house.man am just going to miss u.u r the best!!!!!! joseph holt lompoc fedex
Samantha Smith (Sorby)
September 21, 2010
DeBacker Family,
Words cannot express how truly sorry I am to hear about George. He was an incredible and strong man.
During the first 10 years of my life, many days were spent passing through George's garage when I played with Shannon, and he always smiled as he chased us out while he worked. There was always a smell of Bondo, primer, paint or something in his garage, and every single time I smell it I think of George. It has always been that way, and the familiar smell will continue to bring those fond memories to me like it was yesterday. He also took a few dents out of vehicles I crunched, and made them like new again. Saved my tush a few times! He always shook his head at me but I saw the smile behind his mustache. I'm thankful for the time I knew George and the wonderful memories I will keep.
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in all our thoughts and prayers.
Samantha Smith (Sorby)
Tim McIntyre
September 21, 2010
I met George 20 years ago, when he was working out of the GSA office on south Base. Geroge was always kind and friendly, I enjoyed working with Geroge and what started as a working relationship developed into a friendship. I was proud to know George..
Schuyler Collision
September 21, 2010
Our condolences go out to George's family and friends. Words cannot express how heartbroken we are! Through your struggles, you never lost your smile, kindness, sense of humor, or positivity. You were such a good man who was definately taken to soon. RIP George! We will miss you here at the shop! :( We love you! Donny, Lisa, Amber and the rest of the Schuyler employee's.
Roger Beckett
September 21, 2010
George was the most kind and decent co-worker I have ever worked with in my thirty-five years at GSA. He was totally without guile, and I will remember the kind consideration he always showed me.
Steve Munoz
September 21, 2010
George will be terribly missed by the automotive community. I personaly will miss running into him in town and sharing stories.George was taken from us to soon.
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