George C. Wolfe

On September 25, 2014 George C. Wolfe died peacefully in his sleep. A native of New Orleans, George was a local artist, a long-time educator, and a loving father and husband. Whether through his paintings, pen and inks, pastels, or sculpture George always tried to see and express the creative beauty in the world around him. His love of dragons knew no bounds, and the Dragons of New Orleans continue marching each year in Tucks as an expression of his inspired teaching and creativity. Life for him was always in full-color, and he always encouraged his friends and family to be bold and not worry if the art didn't match the sofa. His sons will always treasure growing up in the old home of 15 or so colors on Leontine Street (we could never get the count right). As an art teacher at Isadore Newman School Mr. Wolfe care more for his students' well-being than "playing it safe." The numerous times his environmental design class projects ruffled a few feathers has always been good for a few laughs after the dust settled. Many of his former students look back at their experiences in Mr. Wolfe's art class as some of their fondest memories of school. In retirement, Mr. Wolfe completed his 3rd Master's degree (finally in Art) and took up steel sculpture. Several of his pieces can be found in Texas and around Louisiana. While others might move to watercolors in their later years, George was building fire-breathings dragons, a life sized rhinoceros, and a 12-foot counted Don Quixote. None of us were sure what to make of this, but that was dad for you. Growing up, mom wanted an "Easter Bunny pink" house. Dad figured out what that meant, and then kept going until the other 14 colors transformed our traditional shotgun home in to a true painted lady. Beige - in art not in life - was never in George's palette. A proud alum of Warren Easton High School, LSU, UNO, and Northwestern State; George Wolfe encouraged everyone to further their education and expand their horizons. Most people never realized dad's level of education, because he never touted his achievements. He didn't spend time worrying about his ego being bruised - there was too much work to be done to be bothered with such silliness. Instead, he tackled every challenge set before him, and did so often with flair and creativity. As an author of numerous articles and a book, 3-D Wizardry, and two International Telly Award-winning Videos, Mr. Wolfe tried to teach others that they could accomplish their dreams and their visions. All they needed to do was be creative and their problems could be overcome. Dad was rarely restrained by what had always been done. George Wolfe is survived by his wife Catherine; his sons David, Michael and Philip; and his grand-children Brandon, Lawton, Angelle, Alexandra, Graydon and Liam. He is also remembered by his friends in Natchitoches and New Orleans whose numbers are still too numerous to count. A few words of thanks go out to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Natchitoches Medical Center and Touro Infirmary in New Orleans. They looked after George through thick and thin. Dad was not always the easiest patient, and their work is appreciated. We'd also like to thank the members of First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches for their friendship, concern, and devotion. You were always near and dear to his heart. Peace be with you all. Memorial services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in New Orleans, at FUMC in Natchitoches closer to Christmas Lights Festival, and where ever dragons gather to raise a glass. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Avenue on Thursday, October 2nd, 2014 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Touro Infirmary Employee Emergency Fund, 1401 Foucher Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online, at www.GreenwoodFuneralHome.net.