George W. Collier

Another beacon of light has left our midst. Uncle George didn’t get to enjoy his 90’s for long but he did have a grand time getting there. Along the way he and my dad got some fishing done particularly after they both became widowers. I suppose in some circles Uncle George might be termed a kind of a ‘nerd’. He was a very knowledgeable man that was committed to his church. He played the accordion and the organ and he had a keen interest in anything electronic, particularly ham radio. But let me tell you this nephew has fond memories growing up of mesmerized fascination when I saw him fire up his model train set up, or heard that big speaker Hail out the Christmas season in song throughout the valley. He always had a quick wit and something to say to make you smile. I know Uncle George was heartbroken and devastated when Kathleen passed on in 1985. It was a time when it was hard enough for him to get up in the morning let alone put one foot in front of the other and trudge on But he did and eventually he met Linda, and with her devoted love and caring he found a second chance at lasting love partnership. Over the years we didn’t see each other that often, but when the opportunity arose it was quite a joy to hear that phrase “Hey there Mikey... How ya doin’?” Most recently whenever we’d chance meet, he didn’t hesitate to say to me “Hey have you ever thought of becoming a writer? You should write a book!” as he really enjoyed reading my voluminous Christmas letter each year. I would usually answer that I might be ok for the short stuff, but I’m not so certain about having a book in me. Walking away though he never failed to give me a warm Pulitzer feeling of accomplishment inside. It is my prayer that when Uncle George approached the gate, Aunt Kay was there to greet him with open arms and her patented fresh baked sauerkraut and Coca-Cola cakes. Keith and Bruce indeed he was quite a dad.