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San Jose State University

George Alger Obituary

George Maxson

Alger

Resident of San Jose, CA

Aug, 22, 1947-Aug. 17, 2010

George Maxson Alger ended his year-long battle with cancer on August 17. He passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of his wife Marsha and sister Carol.

George was born in San Diego and moved to San Jose where he earned a degree at SJSU in Meteorology. He enjoyed a 40+ year career at NASA Ames Research Center. He began as a mechanic and successfully grew his career to include Airborne Science Manager, IT Services Manager, and upon retirement in 2008, IT Branch Division Chief. George's hard work and contributions to his field made him well respected and greatly admired.

George held his friends and family in highest esteem. George devoted the same energy, generosity and drive towards building a successful family upon a solid foundation, as he did towards his outstanding career. Spirited son, caring brother, loving husband, sturdy father, proud grandfather - George was all of these things. His is a life well lived, filled with happiness and tenacity, from the first second the to last. He will be greatly missed.

George was the much-loved son of Nina Alger and Kenneth Alger (deceased) brother to Shirley Lodge (deceased) and Carol Raynsford (George). He is survived by his beloved wife, Marsha, daughter Amanda Rauch (Pete), son Bryan Alger (Jennifer), grandchildren Jonah and Waverly Rauch, John Caylor (Dana), in-laws Harold and Marie Hill, and many nieces and nephews.

Requests for information regarding a Celebration of Life gathering can be emailed to: [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Sep. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for George Alger

Sponsored by Patti Grant (Hathaway).

17 Entries

Steve Howard

September 24, 2010

George was a great guy and a good friend. He was no-nonsense and always level-headed except for the occasional lapse on the golf course. He talked straight and expected others to do the same. If you strayed from the truth, you would get "the look" and know that you had gone too far. He will be missed.

Jeanne C

September 22, 2010

I played softball at Ames against George's team for many years. He was an excellent player and overall very pleasant and genuine person. We will miss him at the games. Sincere condolences to his family.

Chris Smith

September 18, 2010

So sorry to hear of George's passing.. I have fond memories of golf with George in Ames League games. Always a straight shooter whether in golf or life. Our work experience was honest and trustworthy at Ames. My regards to the family as George was taken away too soon.

I took this photo on board the CV-990, probably around 1983.

Patti Grant Hathaway

September 16, 2010

I first met George in
1982 when I was hired straight out of college as a
programmer/flyer for the CV-990 (Galileo II). I had the
privilege to work with him sometimes closely, sometimes
not so closely for the next 16 years until Sterling Software
lost the contract at Ames. It was a true honor to know
and work with him. He was dedicated, professional,
at times curt and to the point, at others funny as all get-out.
He was the hardest-working and most dedicated civil
servant I ever met. He truly cared about the work we did
in the Airborne Science Division. He was a mentor to
many and an inspiration to all. Goodbye dear friend, you will be sorely missed. (The attached photo is how I will always remember you.)

Steve Y

September 15, 2010

You will be missed. Watch over us like you did for me at Ames. You were always true to your words and helped people who needed guidance. RIP my friend. I will never forget you.

September 14, 2010

Hey George sorry to hear of your passing. I still remember our softball playing days at Ames. Remember me hitting the 3 run home run to tie one of our championship games only to have you hit a 2 run homer to win it for us. How about our camping trips listening to Mike sing Paul Anka songs. And Bruce getting us together to play ball.

Miss you buddy
Jim Myers

Charles G

September 14, 2010

In my experience, George was one of the most down-to-earth and fun-loving individuals who I have had the pleasure of knowing during my 28 year career at NASA Ames.

George had a way of getting the job done while putting people around him at ease.

I always had the feeling that George was a straight-shooter. When he told me something, I could take it to the bank. Mr. Wertenberg mentioned the word 'integrity'. I absolutely agree.

George's sense of humor was often a bright spot in my week. He was always there with his trademark wry grin and a humorous quip or a well aimed or even self-effacing joke.

The wonderful "Your problem is obvious" statuette he kept in his office embodied his refreshingly less-than-always-politically-correct sense of humor.

George spoke lovingly of his family to me on several occasions and was very proud of their accomplishments... and boy did he love his grandkids.

Please accept my condolences.

Peggy Smiley

September 14, 2010

Every Thursday evening, George would come into the bowling alley, ready to play and always had a smile - sometimes mischievious - but always a smile. I so appreciated his wit and the twinkle in his eyes. I miss him.

Vicky Saucedo

September 14, 2010

George was a kind spirit that lifted up those around him and made them laugh with a wink and a smile. I bowled on the Ames league with George for 17 years...he's an amazing person and will be deeply missed! My condolences to his family and friends...we all have to remain thankful that he was a beacon of light in our lives and has touched us all.

Susan Weiand

September 14, 2010

George was a softball and bowling teammate of mine. I appreciated his humor and good nature on and off the field. He will be surely missed by all his teammates.

Susan Weiand

September 14, 2010

George was a softball and bowling teammate of mine. I appreciated his humor and good nature on and off the field. He will be surely missed by all his teammates.

Christy Chase

September 14, 2010

My condolences to his family and friends. George was full of life and a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed. May God help you through this very difficult time and always.

Paul Tom

September 14, 2010

George was a good person and he will be missed by all who interacted with him. He had a special passion for the people and activities he enjoyed. I will really miss his sense of humor!

Lorinda, Anthony, Spencer and Sierra Rodrigues

September 14, 2010

George was a wonderful guy who left us all too soon. I'm sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Russ & Linda Wertenberg

September 13, 2010

To the Alger family,
Please accept our condolences. George was a person who always could maintain his sense of humor and his integrity regardless of the situation. He will be sorely missed. You are all in our prayers. May you all experience the peace of God's warm embrace, especially at this time of need.

Yvonne & Larry Russell

September 12, 2010

We will miss him; a great co-worker for many years at Ames, a contributor in every place he worked, a good friend. So sorry we and all his friends and family have lost him so soon.

Newton

September 12, 2010

To the Alger family, sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his LOVE, PEACE, and STRENGTH. It's nice to know he lived a happy and full life that God gave him, and akong with his skills he learned. May he R.I.P <3

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