Eddie Bernard George lovingly joined our Father in Heaven on January 28, 2022, at the age of 87. Eddie passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus with his family at his side. Eddie was preceded in death by his first love Joanne George who he was married to for 58 years, his parents Ray and Ruth George and four siblings.
Eddie is survived by his wife and sweetheart, Judy George and his 9 children and 5 stepchildren: Denise (Tom) Nicholson, Donna George, Ann (Gary) Lynch, Ruth (Bill) Straw, Joe (Karen) George, John (Mary Ann) George, Jackie (Bob) Carter, Sam George, Pete (Becky) George, David (Dee Dee) Johnson, Lee (Nancy) Johnson, Joanne (Nate) Nelson, Mike Johnson, Suzanne (Gerry) Johnson and his sister, MaryAnn Cole. His life was filled with the joy of 41 Grandchildren and 45 Great Grandchildren.
Eddie was born in Helena Montana, January 2, 1935. He graduated from Helena High School and until his passing continued to meet for lunch regularly with his classmates. He served in the United States Air Force in Thule, Greenland. He married Joanne Vanderzanden on May 2, 1959. He worked for many years in the Upholstery business with his brother Bill. In May 1974 he began work with the Bureau of Reclamation and remained there until his retirement in January 1996. Eddie and Joanne raised their family at Canyon Ferry Lake and in the East Helena Catholic Church. They received the Mavsar award for their service in the church. Eddie met and married Judy Johnson, his “sweetheart”, September 12, 2019. They had loving marriage that was too short. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, camping, and telling stories Eddie wrote hundreds of poems for friends and family or any special occasion. Cribbage, scuba diving “Search and Rescue” and playing music were among his favorite activities. Eddie had 37 years of AA recovery.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 PM on Friday, February 4th at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs in East Helena. A reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Rite of Committal will be at St Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena following the Mass and reception.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 4, 2022
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday February 4, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday February 4, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
12:00 p.m.
Friday February 4, 2022
SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Friday February 4, 2022
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial with Military Honors
Following the reception
Friday February 4, 2022
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Kathy Johnson Sampson says
So very sorry. All the times I spent at your house at the lake he made me feel like one of his kids. I loved the time I spent there. His heart was pure and his love for each and everyone of his family was beautiful. My prayers and love to you all. Kathy Johnson Sampson
Bill & Janel Walks says
So sorry for your loss, Eddie was a great father to everyone. Prayer to all
Denise Hayden says
Judy so sorry to hear about Eddie! I will miss his smiling face at Jorgs for lunch.
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Eddie was just a fabulous human being. Humble, kind, caring, grateful, loving, happy, patient, faithful, are only some of the words to describe him. I knew Eddie through Cursillo and church, and to me he embodied what it is to be Christ-like. I never saw him without a smile on his face, and a warm greeting. He was truly, truly genuine. He left a legacy of humility that we could all strive for. He loved, loved his family, and I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings to all of you.
Jean Schultz says
so sorry to hear about Eddie….I remember his smiles and kindness when he and Byron worked cursillos…
Roberta Stipcich says
Judy: I was shocked to hear about Eddie. Even though I really know him I know he brought you great happiness and that was so important. I am so sorry that the Light has gone out of your life again so soon but know you will persevere through your faith. Please know I am here for you if you need me.
Cathy Comfort says
Judy, Joe, Jackie and Bob, and the rest of the family, our hearts are with you. Eddie was a light of optimism and positivity on Spokane Ranch Road. We will miss him so very much, especially that big smile of his, and those warm hugs. He was a friend to my mom, Mirth Peterson for many years, and to me and Jeff when we moved onto her place. He gave the true meaning to the word ‘neighbor’.
Ruby Wilson says
Judy, I was shock and saddened to hear about Eddie. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you dearly.
Ruby
Fay Prescott says
May peace and prayers comfort your family. You were loved by all. Bobbie Asher and Fay Prescott
Ellen Speranza says
Ann, Gary and family:
I just read your dad’s obituary. Well written and very heart felt. He will truly be missed by a lot of people. What a great legacy he leaves behind. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Ellen and Dominick Speranza
Glen Gormely says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Eddie’s family. Eddie George was an outstanding gentleman who brightened the day for everyone around him. He was kind and quick to smile and always willing to lend a hand. Our family has known Eddie forever, my mom JoAnn Gormely went to school with Eddie and my dad Don Gormely worked with Eddie at the Canyon Ferry dam for years. We will forever cherish our times with him and he will always be in our hearts. Eddie will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Glen, Dena, Krista & Jason Gormely
Wes S says
To Eddie’s Whole Family:
I had the pleasure getting to know Eddie over the last year and a half in AA recovery. I enjoyed our Saturday mornings together with our cup of coffee in hand. Eddie reminded me so much of my late grandfather. I will always treasure the memories he and I made together and already miss him dearly. He was so proud of his family and was never shy to speak kind words about all of you. Although my time with him was short, my memories of him will last forever. Thinking about and praying for you all.
-Wes S.
Rebekka A. Dodge says
I was saddened to hear about the death of Eddie. I can imagine he is singing and playing the harmonica with the angels. He was one of the kindest people I ever knew. He wrote a song for me, and I will forever treasure it. The world lost a jewel. Condolences to Judy and his family.
Rick Pyfer says
I am in Arizona for the winter months so just got the papers with the news of Eddie’s passing. So sorry for his passing and my prayers are with all his loved ones. What a great guy! Recently I’d see him after Sunday church and as mentioned by others always a smile on his face and a kind word. I remember the lake meetings when he played the harmonica at Yacht Basin and I was so impressed by the love he shared with his beloved first wife . His countenance in the church congregation will be greatly missed. God bless you , his family, as you grieve this great good man of faith.