GEORGE A BENDER

Our thoughts go out to Norma and her children. We first met George when we moved to Battle Creek, MI. I was a young assistant wrestling coach and was very impressed meeting Michigan States first Big Ten Champion. My wife and I became friends with George and Norma. We went to one of the NCAA wrestling championships tournament together. It was one of the funniest and best times we ever had. George and Norma were a great pair. He was a great friend and coach, with a wife to match. He will be missed by many.

I absolutely loved George's sense of humor. He always was ready with a quick quip and a smile!

George never really knew how much he affected the lives of the young men he coached. He coached us in wrestling, sure, but more importantly he coached us in life. He changed the course of my life and I will never forget him.

I just always liked George.

He showed me enjoying life.

The last ~8 years I've haven't lived in Little Torch anymore, but would go visit my house there once or twice a year, and it was always great to see him motoring his boat out, wave, and contact/chat little bits with him. He showed me how to enjoy life as it goes on, and I'm still working on that!

Thank you, George. Rest in peace. (Okay, I know you will.) :-)

Don Lofland

keep in prayers from lawless
family
wonderful person
form michael pilotto

I think my Uncle George was one of the finest men I've ever met and I love anyone who makes me laugh and he certainly did. We all went on a horseback fishing trip in Wyoming when I was a teenager. I lost lure after lure of Uncle George's and he never lost patience or got angry, he simply gave me another lure and encouraged me to keep trying. I'm so glad we were able to visit last year in Florida - we had a wonderful time. Love to you all and especially you, Aunt Norma. Carla & Chet

Norma, Much love goes out to you and your family. The highlight of our trip to Florida the year mark and I got married was our visit with you and George. We still talk about fishing with George and being escorted by the dolphins to George's fishing spot. It was a shame that we only made it to your place once, but an honor to have made it there at all. He was one of my favorite teachers at Jackson High and we will miss him terribly. Lynne and Mark Meade

Dear George,
You and Norma were soul mates. Always available for everyone.
If à fishermen's heaven exists, you are probable there!
We were so glad to meet you. We remember the dinners so funny.
We will never forget you.
God bless you, your children and granchildren.
Yves and Nelly

George Bender, you made the world a better place. We look across the street and still expect your workshop to open up. You were always working on a new project but never too busy to share a new joke, a sports score, or lend a helping hand. Your friendship will always be treasured. It was an honor to know you. May God bless you and your family.
Ed and Gerry Coady (Little Torch Key, FL)

Rest in Peace our dear Fear friend. You will always be alive and loved in our heart .

Dear Norma and family,
So very sorry to hear about your loss.
George always,always had such a beautiful temperament and smile. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

Alan,Margaret and Lee Botten

My heart and prayers go out to all. It is a little less bright in the world without George's smile and jokes. We were blessed to have had the chance to celebrate Norma and George before they left the Keys. Keep picturing him sitting next to Norma and hearing the stories and love sent their way. We were blessed to have had them as neighbors and dear friends. May God carry Norma and family in the days to come.

We just had to post this picture of George again, because it really typifies how happy George was just being on the water. When driving his boat, either going fishing, or coming home from fishing, he always had a big smile on his face. This is how we will ALL remember George.

Fred and Betty Zydeck

So very sad to not ever again listen to George's funny stories. Looking at Norma and George from across the canal at Jolly Rogers in the morning while they had their coffee, chatting up a storm with each other made me realize that I needed to improve my life and I did and moved on. Thanks George and Norma. And it couldn't have been any sweeter than when they came to my wedding a few years later. Their picture from that day is attached. Sleep well, George, you'll always be in our thoughts. Barbara and Manny Mersis

[Photos of George & Norma with a manatee shortly before moving. He'd been out fixing the dock for the new owners.]

Norma, Debbie, Doug and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. It's hard to say just how much George meant to us these past 13 years of being next door neighbors. He was an absolute gentleman. He was kind and caring and strong, always there to lend a hand, share a joke or funny story. He never failed to impress us with his wit, physical stamina and amazing quality of life. We are so very saddened and send our heartfelt condolences.

Dear Norma,
We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
George was always warm and friendly. He had the best smile! We loved to talk "fishing" with him. We will miss you both in the Florida Keys.
May God bless you and help you through this difficult time.

Dear Cristian,

Very sorry for your loss!

Your classmate,Mike Cieslak

Shortly after building my new retirement home in Jolly Roger Estates, I was standing proudly on my new dock, surveying my new world, when a small catamaran fishing boat with a lone operator came chugging up to a stop. The fisherman introduced himself and so began a 15 year, wonderful friendship based on a mutual love of fishing. George became a mentor, a teacher,and a true companion to me. Losing him changes the world in a very sad and profound way. Norma, Donna and I want to express our deepest sympathies to you. Let us know if we can be of any help to you. Donna and Jim

Our thoughts are with you guys!!!!!! xoxox Sharon, Frank, and Kassidy Harding

George out fishing in his beloved Gulf of Mexico at his favorite spot, he referred to as "The 3rd. Finger". On this day, which was one of many such days, we fished together. From his good friend who will miss him very much, Fred Zydeck

George Bender. We shall miss him immensly. When we think of George, we remember him as a life long athlete who loved all sports, a devoted husband who loved his wife Norma more than anyone could ever know, an attentive and loving father to Debra and Doug, and as a Grandfather who was loved and admired by all his grand-children.
Everyone, including the whole Zydeck family, but most of all, Betty and Fred, will miss George a lot. Even our Grandson Grant, who loves to fish, looked forward to coming to the Keys and seeing George, who he knew loved to fish too. Speaking for myself, Fred, when I think of George I imagine him as simply -- "Gone Fishin". In Heaven, he will forever be doing what he loves most, fishing. He will be looking forward to being one day, reunited in Heaven, with his loving wife Norma, where they will live together for all eternity.

With all our heart and love, the Zydeck Family. Fred and Betty, Jeff and Royal, Grant and Alexa, Jackie and Ted, and Mike and Kim and family. We will miss you!