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George Greaves Obituary

George Sydney Greaves George Sydney Greaves died June 11, 2005. He was born in Liverpool, England on January 16, 1917, and came to Albany, New York with his family when he was 12 years old. He survived his parents, Bert and Martha; his two sisters, Chrissy and Martha; and a nephew, Jimmy. George married Thelma Pollock Winters in June 1948. Thelma preceded George in death in June, 1993. Prior to marrying George, Thelma was a Cosmetic Consultant and George followed in that field representing Yardley of London and other well-known lines as a salesman on the road. He formed his own company toward the end of his career. As a young man, George was a keyboard musician and teacher and had his own dance band in Albany which ended in July 1942 when they all enlisted. George entered the Air Corps, went to Finance School at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina and served throughout World War II as an Auditing Officer until his discharge in 1946. George was an avid golfer, a member of Chaparral Country Club and Mountain Shadows Golf Club. He was committed lifelong to exercise, running the Valley canals daily and enjoying both LA Fitness Center and Mountain Shadows work-outs. Always the English gentleman, he had numerous friends who were drawn to his sense of humor, beautiful smile, and caring ways. He was the epitome of a good friend. The first to visit a sick acquaintance and the one who continually called at nursing homes to visit dear friends. George is survived by his step daughter, Dorothy Vanderlaag of Oregon, her son Don and daughters Susan and Judy. He will be especially missed by his long-time friend, Gail Warden, and her family who considered him part of theirs. In remembering George's love of all kinds of music and dance, in lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in his name to Ballet Arizona, 3645 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018. Burial will be private. Friends are invited to a celebration of his life on June 26 at Mountain Shadows Golf Club in the late afternoon. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jun. 15, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for George Greaves

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3 Entries

Joe Hogan

June 17, 2005

For us his cousins in England George was a legend who let us know in a loving way that he was part of our family.We are grateful to the Tribune for giving substance to the legend which fills us with pride and gratitude. Our sympathy and love to all his friends especially to Gail.

Gail Warden

June 15, 2005

George's celebration will be from 4 to 6 at Mountain Shadows Golf Club on Sunday, June 26. We welcome his friends to join us.

Kim Doyle

June 15, 2005

I hope you're enjoying a pint on the 19th Hole with Bobby Jones,Ben Hogan and all the other legends of the game. You've left us with many fond memories. We'll miss you terribly.Cheers,George.

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