George Chileski

> Following a brief illness, on November 21, 2024, George Dean Chileski boarded that final safari transport to the gates of Heaven where he will enjoy that big poker game in the sky. George was born in Grass Valley, California, on July 19, 1941, to Steve and Nina Chileski. He graduated from Nevada Union High School in 1959. He never missed one of their memorable reunions. He was a 1961 graduate of Sierra College in Auburn, California.

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> George learned the construction trade at the knee and toolbox of his father. George became a respected General Contractor. For over 30 years he was responsible in the construction or remodel of many Nevada County homes. These will stand for many years in tribute to the skilled tradesman who built them.

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> George was the father of three beautiful daughters: Debra, Cindy and Tracy. He taught them many life skills. Love and enthusiasm for people and life, strength, the value of hard work, entrepreneurship, and helping others to name only a few. In the days as he completed his final chapter he showed his family, as well as the rest of us, what graceful acceptance and real courage really looks like.

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> Volunteering and becoming a giving member of his community was also an important part of his life. He was Past President and long time member of the Grass Valley Sportsmen's Club. For 14 years he was responsible for the "Loadin' Chute Beer Booth" at the Nevada County Fair. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #538 for over 50 years. Additionally he was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West.

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> George met Karen Kay Taylor, who later became his wife, at a Toastmasters meeting where he was a guest. They were married aboard the ship Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, in 1986. Together they worked hard building a life of adventure and success guiding and helping many others along the way. One of their special projects during decades of property management and ownership was their involvement with Project Jumpstart (an inmate release program.)

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> George was a charter member of Empire Toastmasters as well as a long term member of Early Risers Toastmasters. Together George and Karen created and developed the Nevada County Afghan project. The copyright is now under the watchful eye of the Nevada County Railroad Association.

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> Being an avid fisherman as well as a world class game hunter, over 100 mounts of fish and game from all over the world were displayed at their Cedar Ridge home. This was both impressive and educational for all to enjoy. Prior to the sale of their home and relocation to Arizona in 2021, the collection was gifted to the Sierra College Living History Museum in Rocklin, California.

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> Over the years George thoroughly enjoyed becoming a skilled poker player. He loved the game and the people who played it. He was also a loud and loyal San Francisco Giants and 49er fan. He showed grace and sportsmanship complimenting the LA Dodgers on their 2024 World Series win.

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> Together George and Karen traveled the world. They enjoyed the beauty and culture of a great many countries as well as their exploration of our magnificent USA. Their journeys took them to all seven continents. Africa was the destination they visited four times.

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> An old friend recently told George, "Most people have a bucket list. But you, George, are among the very few who have actually completed nearly everything on your list."

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> George is survived by his wife, Karen, Gold Canyon, Arizona; daughters Debra Kent, Orangevale, California; Cindy French, San Diego, California; and Tracy Fass, Waldport, Oregon; and brother Glen Chileski, Grass Valley, California. He is also survived by five grandchildren and five great grandchildren as well as many dear friends who have been like family, which includes Pamela Bouillon, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, who was with Karen at his side till the very end.

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> Special thanks to all who took the time to visit and contact George to let him know just how his life SO WELL LIVED had touched their own. He was a man who truly made a difference and leaves the world better than he found it. His joy for life and infectious smile will be forever missed by all the lives he touched.

There will be a Celebration of George's wonderful Life in Grass Valley, California, Summer 2025. Further information will be available in the Spring.

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> For now and until we meet again, you leave us with these thoughts: The Earth has your Body; The Lord Has Your Soul; But, We Have Your Memory.