George-Spears-Obituary

George Leon Spears

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Spears, George Leon A Native American Runner, age 49, of Minneapolis. George was currently working as a Hennepin County Social Worker. He died after he collapsed at the 6-mile marker in the Twin Cities Marathon. He has a history of running marathons dating back to Grandma's Marathon in 1987. He was a beloved husband of 30 years to his wife, Melanie. He was an OGICHIDAG Warrior of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe. His parents Chester & Susan Spears preceded him in death, along with his sister, Marlene & son, Duane. He touched the lives of his children, grandchildren & all the children he worked with through his job. His children are numerous in that there are biological, adopted, foster children, and those that came & stayed. Each was loved by their Dad & Grandpa. George followed a good path in his life. He has finished the fourth hill in his journey. He was his wife's Weedjeewaugun - companion & soul mate. He was a highlander who will always live in our hearts. Funeral Service Friday, 3 PM at ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL INDIAN MISSION, 3044 Longfellow Ave. Visitation begins TODAY, 6 PM & continues for 24 hours a day until the service, with nightly prayer services at 7 PM. Bradshaw 3131 Minnehaha Avenue S. 612-724-3621
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

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I love my Dad

The George and Melanie Spears family took care of me when I was younger and I was deeply saddened by the news of George's passing. The Spears' family is still a part of my life and I miss all of them.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. I just happened upon George's obituary and wanted to tell you what an amazing person he sounds like! I know you are missing him very much.

My condolences to the Spears family for their tremendous loss. I have known George for many years and will remember him for his committment to working with families, his dedication to martial arts, and running.

My family sends you our deepest sympathy. May you always have loving, vivid memories of George.

Although I never had a chance to have a long conversation with George, I did very much appreciate his presence as a part of our neighborhood. His quiet strength provided a sense of safety, protection, and stability to our block that will surely be missed.

My heart and condolences go out to George's family at this time of sudden loss. I had the privilege of getting to know George when he worked worker across the isle from me at Hennepin County. His selfless spirit of generosity, dedication, energy and being knowledgeable in many areas really impressed me. After working more than a full day, he often went to Habitat for Humanity to fix the mistakes of volunteers. He really loves his family and will be with them in spirit.

It was my privilege to have worked with George in the ICWA unit at Hennepin County. I will cherish the memories of his strong quiet spirit, and the friendship we shared. He will be missed, but not forgotten. May God Bless and give you comfort now and always.