Obituary published on Legacy.com by Basham Funeral Care - Bakersfield on Oct. 1, 2025.
March 6, 1959 – July 7, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of George Saiza Cuadras, who left this world on July 7, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on March 6, 1959, to Evaristo and Susanna Cuadras. He grew up in Huntington Park, California, until the family moved to
Shafter, California at the age of 14. There, he would grow into the man who would touch so many lives with his laughter, wisdom, stubbornness, and big heart. George was a jack of all trades, someone who could fix just about anything and wasn't afraid to roll up his sleeves. He spent over 15 years at Mobil Chemical, where he not only dedicated himself to hard work but also met the love of his life, Erlinda A. Cuadras. The two were married on Friday, May 13, 1988, in their favorite place - Las Vegas, a city that matched their energy and love for celebration. Beyond Mobil, George worked as an automotive mechanic, he worked for Kinkaid Construction, and as a handyman at Motel 6, and found great joy in his final working years at Goodwill. No matter the job, he gave his best - and often more than what was asked. George was a devoted family man, survived by his beloved wife Erlinda and his children: Tina Mendoza, Irene Cuadras, Isaac Cuadras, and Gina Richardson. He was also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, lighting up whenever he was surrounded by the younger generations. George has joined his older brother Robert (Bobby) Cuadras in heaven, but survived by his other siblings: Jessie Simms, Tony Cuadras, Joseph Cuadras, Susanna (Chacha) Garcia, Regina (Tita) Acosta, and Christine (Chris) Cuadras- a large and loving family who shared in his humor, his stories, and the occasional lecture. Coming from such a large family, family disputes were inevitable. However, George was always admired for his honesty and his ability to maintain strong relationships with everyone. He was a steady presence, a peacemaker when needed, and someone people could count on to be fair, even when he was blunt. Though George claimed he never wanted pets, he ended up head over heels for his furry companions: Leroy, Douglas, Butch, Smoky, Tootsie, Slick, and Lola. Each of them became part of his extended family - often doted on more than he would admit. George was a man of rules and traditions, many of which live on as cherished (and often quoted) family lore. Guests at his home were sure to hear things like: • "Cereal is not for dinner." • "Take your hats off when you sit down for dinner." • "Do not walk around the house in your socks." • "Don't answer the phone at the dinner table." • "Sit in the chair right, it's not a rocking chair." • "Don't jump on my couches." • "Turn off the light." These rules were more than just habits - they were the fabric of the household he held dear. George loved NASCAR, the casino, and any chance to spend time with loved ones. He was always the first to suggest a gathering, to toast someone's accomplishments, or to simply say, "Let's go." He hated chicken - fiercely and unapologetically - and loved bologna, in a way only George could. George's passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will live on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave so freely. A celebration of his life will be held soon, where we'll do exactly what he would want us to do - remember him with laughter, raise a beer, and share stories about Uncle George, where he will live forever in our hearts and memory. Rest easy, George. You were one of a kind.
Pallbearers: Anthony Nava Jasmine Ruiz Andrew Gutierrez George Cuadras Cameron Kelley Isaiah Cuadras Louie Gonzales Johnny Zapeda
Honorary Pallbearers: Casey Kelley Ryan Cuadras Lucas Gutierrez Robert Cuadras Mickey Richardson Isaac Cuadras Irene Cuadras To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of George, please visit our Tree Store.