George R. McCauley was born on December 4, 1930 to Clifford and Emma McCauley. He was born at home in Butte, MT.
He attended school in Butte and enlisted in the army at the age of 17. He transferred from the army to the Airforce where he served from 1947-1968. He served during the Berlin Airlift-the Korean War and the missile crisis in Cuba. He served as an advisor to the Italian Air Force for one year. He taught them to maintain jet fighters. He also served in Vietnam. He retired from Hill Airforce base in Utah. He continued to serve in the Airforce reserve until 1979. After he retired from the Airforce, he went on to building houses. In 1971 he built his home in York.
George married and had one son. That marriage ended in divorce.
In 1976 he met Judy Lavoie in Missoula. They were married in 1977. They made their home in York where he raised her two children. In 1986 they sold their home in York and built their retirement home in Helena.
His joys in life are his grandkids. He played Santa for them when they were younger. He loved making them things like rocking horses and chairs. When the great grandkids came along, he built things for them too.
He loved working with wood. Many people have his intarsia work. He also made the stage coach, which is in the lobby of Wells Fargo bank.
George was a grateful member of AA and loved working with people.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Emma McCauley; His brothers, Bob, Jimmy, Frank and Billy McCauley; His sister, Barbara Sullivan; His son, Joseph McCauley; and Step grandchildren Joseph and Cory Andrewski.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Judy McCauley, brother Jerry McCauley and Shirley McCauley. Step son, Scott and Jody Anderson. Step daughter, Pamela Baines. Grandkids, Brittany and Lucious McGillvary, Charmayne and Scott Kaminski, Leea Anderson, Samatha Mcginnis, Adam Pierson, Dallas Baines. Great grand children, Torin, Emmett, Ali, Brianna, Mia and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. Burial with military honors will follow the service at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. A reception will follow burial in the social center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials in George’s name may be sent to God’s love and food share, 533 N. Last Chance Gulch. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of George.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 18, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday November 18, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following burial
Friday November 18, 2016
Social Center of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday November 18, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday November 18, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following burial
Friday November 18, 2016
Social Center of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Angela Burdsall says
George was one of the kindest men I have ever known. I will never forget two things he said often: “Keep suitin’ up and showin’ up” and “Ya done good.”
Jodi Smith says
No matter what life threw at George he always had that great smile with a warm handshake. I am so sorry Judy for your loss. Please find peace and strength knowing you’ll be together again in God’s loving hands. You have always gone out of your way to help others please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. Love, Jodi Smith.
Joanie Werner Mathis says
What a great smile. That is what I will remember about this gentle man, so full of wisdom for so many people. Blessings to all of you. JOANIE WERNER MATHIS
Larry chapnick says
A great talented man I always admired. R.I P.I remember putting a motor in a blazer for him when we were up there on vacation. And I enjoyed being around him and his sweet wife Judy. He will be missed by many
Ralph Guay says
Knowing George was a gift that I’ll continue to enjoy.
Rick and Jan O'Connell says
Judy and family. So sorry to hear of George’s passing. What a great human being. He will be missed. We are in Florida so won’t be able to attend the service. Our love to all.
Rick and Jan
gary sullivan says
I have loved George all my life. From being young and washing and driving his 62 Oldsmobile Cutlass to date. He was a man I wanted to be like, a father figure ,a Man. With George as a guide I turned my life around. I owe him so much. and will miss him . Judy was his light, and I am thankful that he had such a wonderful woman. My heart and prayers go out to her for her loss, we love her so much
Murph Powers says
The world lost a righteous man yesterday, and in this world, this is no small thing! God’s Kingdom has received this good man, and this too—-is no small thing!! Ye live on through all who love you my friend, and through all the lives you have touched.
Dale Johnson says
Thanks for all the memories Big George I will treasure them always. Loved hearing you say “Ya done good.” In AA we all have those ones we look up to, you were one.
Claudette Hohn says
George was an inspiration to all. And the best hugger ever! He will be missed.
KATHLEEN Harrington says
Judy. I am so sorry for your loss.
Jodi (Bennett) Schultz says
My story of George is that of gratitude as he saved my life. Many may not know, but George was a counselor/advisor at Shodair Hospital 1984, and with his guidance – gave me a renewal on life. Now 32 years sober, I owe him so much. He will be forever in my heart and soul as My Personal Savior. To Judy and the kids, my everlasting love for all the memories in my years will ever be etched of your family and all the fun times at the lake. Love and Prayers. Forever In My Heart.
Colleen Kaminski says
I was saddened to read about George . No matter how old or ill a person is it is still difficult to lose a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. I feel privileged to have met him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and many friends.
Renee and Ben Kimbrough says
I feel privileged to have met George and gained much listening to him share his experience strength and hope. Ya done good George.
Renee and Ben Kimbrough
Rick Marks says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of George’s family. What a great man. My early time in the program were made a lot less rough because of his inspiration. Rest in peace my friend.
Dean McLain says
George and Judy have been awesome neighbors these past 20 years. I’m so thankful my sons grew knowing George, a humble man of such character, strong values, and true faith.
Pam Arroues says
George was the greatest hugger in the world and the most open, honest, loving person I have ever met. His willingness to share his life with so many changed my outlook on life. Judy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mom and I love you
Chris B. says
George’s warm smile and wisdom brought strength to me. George donated so much and always had time to listen. His insight will continue spread through all that have known him and for that I am grateful. That joyful quality has shaped lives and that light will continue to shine through those of us in his extended family.
Fred D. and Vernetta says
Still remember your wise words in my early sobriety. You spoke the language of the heart. Your frame filled the doorway and your heart filled the room.
Bob and Lori Rowe says
My thoughts and prayers to Judy and the family. George was a great neighbor, friend, and grandpa to us. We will never forget his big smile and laughter when we started to put up Christmas lights. This year our lights will be in honor of George. He will forever be in our hearts.
Jarod & Heidi Sampson says
Judy and Family- We are so sorry to hear of George’s passing. May the memories help you through the hard times and bring smiles to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Brad Carlson says
We lost a good Friend and I will always think of him when I look at the Bulldog he made that I won at the Attitude of Gratitude! Thanks for the Memories!!
Don Nance says
I will always Love George, he had a giant heart, gentle manner and he changed my life forever. George put my feet on the path to a sober life 29 years ago, and because of his guidance I continue on that path today. I carry the program forward today drawing on his wisdom and recalling his Love and Patience. May God Bless Judy and his family, I know they miss him greatly.
Bill Christianson says
George was a tremendous individual from a terrific family. Good recollections of the McCauleys, all of them, from their time in the the York area. Always a pleasure seeing George and Judy, such positive pleasant people. They say. “leave it better than you found it.” In his quiet unassuming way George did just that. Condolences to Judy and the family.
Sally Brooker says
George will be missed. George was there when I showed up and cared for me and supported my recovery every step of the way
My heart is with you Judy as I know the sorrow in losing a spouse. Peace be with you. Sally (Russell) Brooker.
Keith and Diane Blankenship says
George has been such an inspiration to us. He always had the right words, or smile at the right time, or best hug when you didn’t even know you needed it. He was a wonderful man and we will so miss his stories and jokes and presence at gatherings. Our prayers are with Judy and the family. We were all so blessed to have that Butte boy among us, just wish it had been longer. Our hearts are broken but there is always a special place there for George.
Diana Koch says
George was a kind, witty and thoughtful man. I enjoyed him so much at the Saturday morning meetings at Jorgensen’s. He was always ready to share his abundant wisdom. He helped me enormously. Love, blessings and prayers to his wife Judy.