Search by Name

Search by Name

George McGraw Obituary

George V McGraw "Uncle" George was born March 27th 1952 in Lemon Grove, San Diego and died suddenly at his home with his wife by his side February 7th 2010. Uncle is survived by his wife Monica and his two best friends and co-conspirators Martha and Margaret. Uncle was everything to George & Francine, Matthew and Lauren. Not a Christmas passed without his stocking hand outs and absurd gift giving. George had three families, the Barattis, Sears and the Babe's softball team, or as I called it, the cult. George moved to Humboldt County from San Diego in 1973 to work with the Humboldt State Baseball program. George started working at Sears where he met many customers and co-workers. So many have called to express their sadness at his passing. George touched so many lives in such a positive way. In 1982 George married Monica Baratti in their backyward. They were married July 16th 1983 because that was the only weekend that didn't have a softball tournament. They were married by the Haps Dogs manager, Lou. George's other family was his softball team's New York life, Loleta meat market, Mad Max, Hapsdogs and "Babes". George was so happy playing ball especially those tournaments in Chico and Redding. George leaves behind a broken hearted wife and a large extended family; Martha & Dave, Margaret & Bill, George, Franny, Matt, Lauren, John & Bonnie, Erin, Caroline, Stephanie, Hillary, Joe, Johnny, Father in law John Baratti and last but not least his best friend of 40 years Dave Frazer whom he considered his brother. In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your local Little League Team. Please sign the guestbook at www.Times-Standard.com. Click on obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Feb. 11 to Feb. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for George McGraw

Not sure what to say?





Eureka Volunteer Hose Company No. 4

March 7, 2010

Eureka Hose Company Number 4 was symbolically called to order on Feb. 22, 2010. Roll call was taken. Those present were: Cliff Barton, Bill Breen, Mike Rudick, Dennis Mahoney, Jim Hartman, Rod McDonald, Jim Josey, Ken Spaulding, Bob McClung, J.D. McCall, Ted Niles, Mike Curry, and Ted Romo. It was entered into the Minutes that our good friend and fellow volunteer George McGraw did not answer roll call.

George first became a member of the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department Hose Company Number 4 in 1974. George trained alongside the regular firemen and other volunteers once a week for many years. His devotion to the citizens of Eureka was impeccable. George's smile and sense of humor will be sorely missed. George was a dedicated and faithful volunteer. His turnouts, boots and red helmet were always at the ready 24-7. When he responded to the call for volunteers, his fellow volunteers as well as the regular firemen knew he would be more than capable of handling any task necessary to suppress a structure fire given to him by the Captain on duty.

The old Volunteer Hose Company Number 4 has long been disbanded. The roll call of old members is growing smaller as time takes its toll. We don't move as fast or see as well as we use to, but those of us who are still around to remember George stand up and clutch our red helmets across our hearts and bow our heads to his memory. We have truly lost a good friend and part of our family.

Norman Reed

March 5, 2010

Sorry for you loss, Monica

March 5, 2010

I knew George through softball competition from New York Life days to Babe's. It's always sad when one of our true softball fanatics passes, and he'll be missed by us all.
Rich Steinhelper
A.J. Sox / Mossbacks

February 24, 2010

Dear Monmers & Family,
Very sorry about George'early demise. I knew nothing about his ailments. By rights I should have gone first - but like George's jokes he beat me to the punch-line! I miss him a great deal. I always looked forward to visit with him at Dave and Martha's get togethers. George is with us in spirit. Some time in the future we will all be together in the spirit.
Moners you and your family are in my prayers. Recite the Jesus Prayer "Lord Jusus Christ, have mercy on me"
Love you, John Pelletier.

David Enos

February 23, 2010

Dear Moners, I was so very sad to hear that one of my favorite people had passed away. I have so many great memories of the times we spent together over the years. My $10.00 Sears oil and lube jobs, which is where I first met the Big Fella. My returning for new tires and getting 70% off because I was so hard on tires and George would give me a hard time but, is was always in fun.
And then there was the work at your house. The kitchen remodel and the Jaccuzi tub install. I had so much fun working over at your special home. You guys were a crack-up.
After work George would somtimes take me in to check out his baseball cards. He was very proud of his collection.

I would always try to fool Georgy at Sears when he answered the phone. I would try to make up one of his funny words he always came up with. Smiggle waffer dog and stinker raffle nocker and other George-language combinations would be traded between us.

I know it will be hard to live without the Big Bear, but he loved you so much Moners and he would have wanted you to continue to live life to the full.

We have been praying for your family and I hope to see my favorite Sears representative in heaven, whenever that time comes.

Our family sends all of our love to you and your family.
May God comfort you through this time of healing. Be strong and remember all of the good times you both had. George would have wanted that.

Love and Hugs.
The David Enos and Family

February 23, 2010

the family dinners will never be the same - no silly jokes being told to Luke. the beach walks are different -no more watching for George and Bell on an adventure. baseball wont be as fun without George to poke fun at over "his" Padres. the only thing for sure in life is change - just wasnt ready for this one. Bye George - thanks for all the good times!
dave pelletier

February 23, 2010

HEY GEORGE, you were the best uncle a girl could ask for! Miss you Love Lauren

February 23, 2010

On Feb,7th George Vail McGraw got his "BIG CALL UP." And I'm sure it went like this, "Put me in coach I'm ready to play." Why did you have to go so early, we need more time. George was funny, caring, giving and up for anything. He touched many lives in a positive way. I will miss you at spring training in Az. I will miss our annual Christmas shopping trips. I will miss our frequent walks at the beach with Belle, our regular sports talks, and family dinners. I miss your presence and quick smile, I wish you would walk through the door. My life has lost a shining star. Until we meet again. Love Martha

Mike Martin

February 22, 2010

I've known George for 38 years, and from the day he came to work for Sears, my life became a better place. I was fortunate enough to join George in numerous activities in those days. From working and playing at Sears, playing a lot of ball together and against each other, catching our limit before work below the hatchery, a few beers here and there, and even some personal serious times. I loved George like a brother, and should note that all my appliances were purchased from George. Sears was lucky to have such a great employee, and the world was lucky to have such a great man. My condolences to the family. I will miss George greatly.

Tawnya Marsh-Bacchetti

February 22, 2010

So sad to hear about the loss of George, he was such a good man. I got to know him while working at Sears (1988-1991) in the Auto Department, he made everyday fun. He was one of the good guys, Heaven got a great man.

Tawnya

Mark Moseley

February 22, 2010

ha george i was waiting for of a case shasta soda from when we worked together back in 1984-1989 at sears with best person i worked with, for i lost good friend i miss him alot. sears lost best saleperson in sears history. george has been a great friend and great to work with also. Sears will not be the same anymore without him. Sorry for your great loss, Monica and rest of family and his extended family at Sears. Miss you George, Mo

February 21, 2010

Monica and friends,

So sorry to hear about George, he was a wonderful, wise and funny man. He was my first boss at Sears many years ago in the Sporting Goods. Him and Dave always covered for me while I was out and about as a teenager. Loved him bunches.....my thoughts and prayers are with you Monica...I will miss seeing him in the store.

Lori Pryor (Marriott)

Tim Scacco

February 21, 2010

Dear Moners and rest of family, you never now what they mean to you until their gone. I worked with George back when sears was where winco is now. He was one of my all time favorite people to be around, and I'm sorry I did'nt make more of an effort to stay in touch. I'll never forget when he got the tropical fish bug from Doug & me. We were at his house to help with his new tank and I managed to spill tube worms on his stereo speaker. His response was classic George " Don't worry about it, the worms can rock out before we feed the fish"! I'll miss my stops to say hi when I went to sears. I'll miss him. Take care Moners, my thoughts and prayers to you.

Ted and Joan Romo

February 20, 2010

Dear Monica,

Joan and I were blessed to have shared some of George's life here in Humboldt County, his great sense of humor, and his friendship. We first met him when he was working at Sears with a mutual friend, and we hit it off right away.

George was a fun-loving hunting partner. George and I spent many a time in the duck blind getting wet and cold. I remember a hunt on Seven Mile Slough when George went in over his boots and sat in the blind determined to stick it out. We also had our fun in the mountains at Deer Camp on Black Butte, fighting off the mosquitoes and eating Joan's camp cooking.

Many a Super Bowl party was spent with George here at our home, rooting for the 49ers. I also recall spending many a George Washington's birthday with him at the old Hose Company Number 4 volunteer fire department's annual party, which was a feast that included lots of steak and corn-on-the-cob.

Because Joan and I know the love you and George shared, we send you our thoughts of him, how he fit into our lives, and how much we will miss him.


Ted and Joan Romo

Jenny Davis

February 19, 2010

Anyone who knew George well knows...Este es el cuchillo? Donde esta in the autobus! I haven't seen him in 10 years and I will never forget him saying that. I miss him terribly already, as I'm sure so do all of his friends and family. He was a very good man and will live forever in our hearts. Hang in there Monica...

Bruce & Susan Sharp

February 19, 2010

George, I have know and work with you for the past 34 years. You have always been good friend and co worker to me. You will be greatly miss by Susan and myself.
I will always remenber the time you came over to my house to celebrate my 21st birthday. Along with how much you enjoy the Hostess Twinkie cake my mother had made for me. You enjoy the cake so much, that I gave you half the cake for you to take home to enjoy. You're a fun person to be with and thank you for your friendship George.

Bruce & Susan Sharp

Nancy&Mark Williams

February 18, 2010

Monica
We wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Your are in our thoughts and prayers.

Clyde & Josephine Terry

February 17, 2010

George was one of the nicest guys to know. We always enjoyed him both as a customer, a friend and a consumer. We always enjoyed his insight and knowledge no matter what we talked about. I'm sorry we didn't get to golf together more often.
Clyde and Josephine Terry

Anita (Weekly) Trehearne

February 16, 2010

George will be greatly missed. I got to know him when my former husband (Mike Weekly) worked with him in automotive when Sears first opened at the mall. George was the most giving and caring person. Hearing of his passing broke my heart, especially when I was told by a mutual friend of ours that he had just asked about me the day before he passed. Having not seen George for a couple months shows what a caring person he really was!

Dale Del Grande

February 15, 2010

So sorry to hear of George's passing. I knew him from shopping at Sears. He was always a big help, and we would talk sports, baseball or softball, a very nice guy. I will miss him a lot.

Megan Walling-Goldsby

February 15, 2010

Thinking of you Moners... Uncle was a great man. He truly touched so many lives. His love and support for his family and friends will never be forgotten. I am so sorry for your loss.

George Lorentzen

February 14, 2010

I'm going to miss my Babe's room mate, my team mate and most importantly my friend.Hit a Homer up there for me Georgie

Ashley Puffenbarger

February 14, 2010

Monica Im Sorry for your loss. I Have been working with George since October and it was not a long time but in the few months i knew him he helped me pass my highschool exit exam and was a truly amazing person. he was very kind hearted man and he will truly be missed by everyone at sears. it does not feel the same when i come to work and he is not there. take care .

Justin Hebert

February 13, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to Monica and family. Uncle will be missed very much. His ability to put a smile on my face and warmth in my heart meant alot to me. I will always remember the jokes he told and laughs we shared. His positive influence in my life will be deeply missed but never forgotten!

Larry Keller

February 13, 2010

Dear Monica,
Our sincere and deepest sympathy for your loss at this time. Words cannot express the concern we have for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.

February 13, 2010

Monica
We are so sorry to hear about George Passing.We always enjoyed talking to him whenever we went into Sears.He always seemed like such a happy man and he always talked so lovingly about you.We will all miss him.Our prayers go out to you and your family Monica.
Mike and Linda Rudick

Dennis Palmer

February 13, 2010

So sorry to read of George's passing. The world just lost one of THE BEST. My thoughts and prayers are with Monica and the family. We shared the love of softball. He leaves a true legacy of sportsman, friend, salesman, and all round Mr. Niceguy. You won't walk in to Sears, or on to a softball field, without thinking of George. May You rest in peace. God Bless

Jeff Emery

February 13, 2010

Monica I cannot begin to know the feelings of loss you and your family have right now, but rest assured that we are here to lend comfort or a hand for anything you need.I had the pleasure of working with George for many years and was part of his Sears family.We laughed, argued, made up,and enjoyed the hours we spent at work and at softball when we played together.He was like the younger brother I never had and I will miss him.Remember we are here if you need anything, I will miss George as will many others.I was proud to be a friend of "Big George".

February 12, 2010

Monica and Family,
We wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss, we are so sorry to have heard about George, you are in our thought's and prayer's.
Art and Linda Pope

betty clutts

February 12, 2010

monica,Im isnt know George, but I knew u and you going miss him alots. soooooooo sorry this happen. just hang in there. Betty Hatten) Connie Hatten send her loves.

Gary and Carol Foster

February 12, 2010

Monica, I was waiting all week for George to show up for work, but then realized it was true. I'm so sadden, we had 20 great years together. He had great humor and made Sears a happy enviorment to work in. I so sorry. If I can do anything. So long old friend.

Megan Zaragoza

February 12, 2010

Monica,
I worked with george at sears for the past year in a half, he was a great man and boss. when i was pregnant with my son, he made sure that i was taken care of. I am going to miss seeing him at work and hear "thank you for coming to work, we missed you."

Theresa-Tweet Pond-Loper

February 12, 2010

Monica,
I never met George but it sounds like he was a great guy. Seems like you have lots of good memories and that is important. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family.

Chet Jarboe

February 12, 2010

I was saddened to hear about George. We worked together in the Automotive Dept. back in the early 70's, when he first came to Eureka. George was truly a true friend. George was the hardest worker Sears had, George was Sears! I'm going to miss seeing George whenever I go to Sears, but will remember all the good times we had working and playing together. George made work fun.

Joanne Dominguez

February 11, 2010

I write this with broken heart after hearing of George's passing. He was a great friend and boss during my 4 years working at the Eureka Sears. His smiling face and open heart will be missed by many. My prayers goes out to Monica and family.

Joanna Arnold

February 11, 2010

George was always a bright spot in my day..he was friends with everyone at Sears and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Michael Standridge

February 11, 2010

Monica,
I was so shocked to hear of the passing of George, He surely will be missed by many,like me who worked with him at Sears. He was very well liked and always had a good sense of humor. Was willing to take time to chat with anyone, sorry for your loss. But he is in a better place.

Kathy & Jeff Smith

February 11, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Monica and family.George will be sadly missed.

John Wagner

February 11, 2010

I was surprised and saddened to hear of George's passing. I enjoyed working with George at Sears and talking sports. I also tried to hit his high, inside lob pitch a few times. My thoughts are with his family and Dave.

Nicole Merino

February 11, 2010

Very Saddened to hear of George's passing. A beautiful man. Thank you George for making me smile. Now you can play ball forever!

Mark & Roxanne Bennett

February 11, 2010

We first met George in the early 70's when he was managing the automotive department of Sears, back when it was located in what is now the Winco building. We became loyal customers of his for 35+ years, and would never consider purchasing an appliance from anyone other than George. Sears got all of our business, not because we liked Sears, but because we loved George. He had a terrific sense of humor and was always a caring man with a ready smile. We will miss him very much! Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Monica, and the rest of his family.

Dick Ambrosini

February 11, 2010

Thanks for the good times and great memories from the Sears Team and The New York Life Team.

Dennis Scott

February 11, 2010

I am very sorry to hear about George's passing. He was a good friend and teammate. I really enjoyed playing softball with George on the Loleta Meat Market teams. He was a very good player and really knew the game. He also was a very good salesman for Sears. I will miss him.

Gina Emery

February 11, 2010

I was very saddened to hear of George's passing. He was a good friend; the kind who was always there when you needed him. I will miss seeing him at Sears and his wonderful sense of humor.

Dana Williams

February 11, 2010

I am so sorry for your family's loss. I worked with George for only a short time but knew him since I was in high school. He was so upbeat and had the funniest things to say and always made you smile. He was a great guy and I will miss him so much. Going to work will not be the same but he always be in my heart...

Anne Cabal

February 11, 2010

Monica,
I am sorry to hear about George. He was a great person, allways willing to help. I worked with him at Sears for eight years. It was allways a pleasure to see him when I went into Sears. He would always take the time to say HI.
Remember the smiles and tell lots of stories to the family. I will keep you in my prayers.

Jim Smith

February 11, 2010

Monica and all the McGraw family:
We were so sorry to hear about George. I worked with George for 10 years and enjoyed every one of them. We also shared a love for baseball and would talk of it often. My family and I will miss him greatly!

Sylvia Lindberg

February 11, 2010

My heart is broken after hearing of George's passing. I can't even imagine how Monica and the family are feeling. George was a wonderful man. He gave his heart and soul to others. He will be missed by so many. I pray for Monica and the family. This is so sad and I am so sorry for your loss.

February 11, 2010

Monica,
We just heard about George yesterday and are so very sorry for your loss. George was a wonderful, patient man and I know how very much he will be missed by you and by his nieces and nephews as well as his Sears family.
My thoughts are with you, Yvonne Titus

Marjorie Heddinger

February 11, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with George at Sears from 1975-1977 and still insisted on buying my appliances from him. I even waited until he was working to make my purchases. George was one great person and I am glad I got to know him. Shopping at Sears will never be the same without occasional visits with George.

Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results

Make a Donation
in George McGraw's name

Memorial Events
for George McGraw

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor George McGraw's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more