George William Gaulding Jr.

1929 - 2012

George William Gaulding Jr. November 21, 1929 - July 31, 2012 George William Gaulding was born on November 21, 1929 to George and Elma Gaulding in Sorrento, Louisiana. When George was a toddler, the family relocated to Texas where George Sr. worked for Gulf Oil. The family relocated again, this time to California, and George attended Bakersfield High School. He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, working in accounting and payroll. After being discharged, George went back to school and became a CPA. He lived in Van Nuys and started working in Los Angeles for Gulf Oil. George left Gulf Oil to join the accounting firm of Arthur Young and Company where he became a top tax advisor. His beautiful daughter Jana was born in 1955 and the family eventually settled in Newport Beach. George had an incredible mind and loved numbers. He was the definition of an entrepreneur and his business insight was widely admired. George would examine a business deal from all angles and find a workable strategy no one else could. His friends and colleagues counted on his particular gift and often came to him for advice. Among his many business ventures, he, along with his partners, founded La Habra Community Hospital in 1971. In 1975 he, and partners, purchased River Downs Racetrack in Cincinnati, Ohio, which they kept for 37 years. Other businesses George owned during his lifetime included a hotel in the San Fernando Valley and Beulah Park Racetrack in Columbus Ohio. In 1982, George and Barbara were married in Santa Fe, New Mexico and happily made their home in Fullerton. Their mutual love of travel and adventure took them all over the world. George always liked taking road trips, whether in the countries he visited or in the U.S. with his friends. Wherever he was, his uncanny ability to find the most colorful restaurants amazed and delighted everyone. George loved animals and his and Barbara's home was always a haven for lost and rescued dogs. More important than his businesses were the many friendships George made throughout his life. George loved to help people succeed; he built people up, emotionally and intellectually. He nurtured so many and has been described as a mentor, teacher, counselor, father figure and friend. Many have said that without George's guidance, they would not be as successful as they are today. Surrounded with the love of Barbara, Grady, dear friend Leslie Torres and caregiver Henkie Rumbayan George died on July 31st, at home from complications of congestive heart failure. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his grandson, Grady; his sister, Freddie (Mel) Miller, and his three nephews, Larry (Jill), Ed (Alyson) and Tom (Julie) Miller. George will be greatly missed by all who loved and admired him. In lieu of flowers, a tax deductible donation may be made in George's memory to Cuddly Canines Rescue 1840 W. Whittier Blvd #86, La Habra, CA 90631. George's family thanks the wonderful people of St. Jude Hospital, St. Joseph Healthcare Hospice and Visiting Angels for their care and support. A celebration of George's life was held Sunday, August 12th, at the Summit House, Fullerton. www.bakersfield.com/obits