George LANE Obituary


LANE, George Edwin
January 3, 1935 - January 7, 2013

'We hold you close within our hearts,
And there you will remain,

To walk with us throughout our lives
Until we meet again.'


George Edwin Lane passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on January 7, 2013 after a courageous eighteen-month battle with pancreatic cancer. His final days were spent with family and friends that George touched in some way throughout his very memorable life. George drew his last breath at his home in Rescue, CA, just as he wished, with his wife and son at his bedside.

Born on January 3, 1935 in Santa Cruz, CA to the late Fred and Ethel Lane, as a child George loved to ride along with his dad as he drove trucks in the construction industry. In Junior High School, George and his fellow students took up a collection to buy a gift for the baby their science teacher, Ira David was expecting with his wife Barbara. Little did George know how that small act of kindness would resurface much later in life.

After completing the 8th grade, George left school and went to work, trailing his father's footsteps and living throughout California following the work in construction. Later on, George drove water trucks and hauled rock, gravel and bulk materials all over the state. In 1954 while he worked extensively in the construction of Folsom Dam, George met Virginia Stites, who was working on site as a bookkeeper. George and Virginia fell in love and were soon married.

Before long, work took George and Virginia to Edwards Air Force Base in Rosamond, CA until 1958 when they headed back north, moving to Citrus Heights, CA. Once back in northern California, George - behind the wheel as always - hauled tomatoes, peaches and pears locally before buying his own transfer dump truck and squeezing it into the back yard in order to work on it, once resulting in a memorable instance of running it into the corner of the house. Many more trucks and loads were in George's future. A lifetime member of the Owner Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), anyone who knew George also knew he could darn well skin a truck, and that's just what he did over his career for more than 35 years, Whatever needed to move, George was the man to get it done.

Strong work ethic and wise real estate investments over the years allowed George and Virginia to retire in 1990. Now living in their 'dream spot' in Rescue, CA retirement brought the opportunity for some light traveling. George couldn't stay away from the driver's seat, though, and he continued to repair and restore trucks and still drove commercially part-time well into his 'retirement' to stay sharp behind the wheel. Unfortunately, after a long struggle, Virginia succumbed to Alzheimer's Disease in 2001; George was by her side through it all, taking care of his wife of 47 years until the very end.

Never one to remain inactive, George began volunteering his time with Senior Gleaners in the Fall of 2001, first operating a forklift in the warehouse loading trucks, later driving the trucks to pick up product. During his time with Senior Gleaners, a fellow volunteer by the name of Diane M. David would ride along on the trucks and assist George with product transport. Over time, George and Diane fell in love and were married on April 30, 2004- In the beautifully ironic serendipity that could only come from the mysterious way God works, Diane was the very same baby for whom George and his Junior High classmates purchased the gift those many years before.

George and Diane built a wonderful life together. George custom fit his beloved 2004 379 'Plum Crazy' Peterbilt to pull their Avion travel trailer so he and Diane could enjoy camping rallies with the Fleetwood Travelcade and friends Mike and Carol Powers of Kelseyville, CA. George and Diane's travels also found them taking cruises to Panama in 2007, the Greek Islands and Turkey in 2008 as well as Puerto Vallarta in 2009 with friends John and Gloria MacLucas of North Saanich, B.C. - the last trip included an exceptionally unforgettable visit to the Don Chendo Tequila Factory which was talked about for years afterward.

In July of 2011 George was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Ever the strong silent type, he never lost hope and bravely stood up to the disease, determined to fight to his last breath with Diane and the newest member of the family, their poodle-bichon mix 'Diesel' right alongside. George was graciously baptized by Pastor Donnie Bryant at the New Testament Baptist Church in North Highlands, CA on October 3, 2012 which brought him great peace of mind and comfort in his final months. Although his body became more frail and began to give up to the disease, his fighting spirit led George on to live a few more months and he was able to see one more Christmas and one final birthday before serenely ascending to Heaven. George wished to convey his most heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Hsieh and all the wonderful nurses in the Oncology Department at Kaiser Permanente in Roseville, CA for helping him to fight the good fight as long as he was able.

Preceded into the afterlife by his parents, Fred and Ethel; his first wife, Virginia; and his sister, Ellen Whitaker; George is survived by his wife Diane Lane of Rescue, CA; brother Clyde Lane and his wife Arlene of San Jose, CA: sister Vandalia (Dale) McGee of Santa Cruz, CA son Jim Lane and his wife Lisa of Rescue, CA; daughters Arlene Lane-Greene of Courtland, CA and Georgia-Fay Lane of Bakersfield, CA; step-son Matthew Rye and his wife Carol of Lincoln, CA; step-daughter Johanna Quinley and her husband Keiota of Antelope, CA; sister-in-law Maureen Stites; brother-in-law Paul Quin; brother-in-law John David and his wife Torie of Rio Linda, CA; grandchildren Jennifer, Eric, Megan, Keianna, Keiota Jr., Vincent and Sofia as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he held close in his heart. Also grieving the loss of George are his nearest and dearest friends whom he considered just as close as family, Harold Laird and his wife Marge of Sacramento, CA; and Ben Morgan and his wife Jeanne of Sacramento, CA.

A celebration of George's life will be held March 2, 2013 at his home in Rescue, CA from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm with a potluck buffet and a color theme of purple in honor of George's 'Plum Crazy' Pete which will be parked in a place of distinction at the entrance to the Lane property. All those who know and love George are invited to join the celebration. In lieu of flowers or condolence gifts, George asked that donations be made either to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or the Placer County SPCA (www.placerspca-org).

When we think of George, we remember his love of family and friends, most especially the two women who shared his heart, Virginia and Diane: his passion for Peterbilts, his fondness for country music, the 'Seinfeld'reruns that would make him laugh hysterically and his appreciation for a great cheeseburger. George truly personified everything it meant to be a great man. His life's example of always being honest and fair, responsible and forthright, caring and generous touched the lives of many more than even he would believe.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Feb. 24, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

George was a wonderful friend, father and gentle man. We are still in shock that he is no longer with us. We will miss him, his stories, his kindness, his laugh and smile, his love and friendship. He will never be forgotten and he will be held dear and near to our hearts and memories.. We were so very lucky to have had you in our lives.

Donna and Tony Natsoulas

Friend

November 18, 2017

HI MY "FOREVER GUY". IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS AGO TODAY THAT YOU LEFT THIS WORLD TO BE WITH THE LORD. I MISS YOU SO MUCH, WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE DAY WE WILL BE TOGETHER AGAIN....REST IN PEACE MY HONEY, I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER. YOUR "SWEETPEA" DIANE

DIANE LANE

April 8, 2013

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