I have known George for over 35 years. I was blessed to have George as a friend - a very dear friend. He was kind, gentle, caring, humble, friendly and had a beautiful smile. He was the opposite of me! George and I worked together early in our career and it was a great pleasure to have George on my team. He coached me and helped me see the other side when frustration got the better part of me - George was so mellow and handled things with calm stride! We later moved to other employers both staying in procurement. It was a great loss when he left for Navy Federal, and I was frequently tempted to recruit George to join me again, but I knew he was so happy at the Navy Federal Credit Union - and in particular, the work-life balance they offered him and his family.
I remember when he met Kathy - Geroge started to miss our regular happy hours. In particular, I remember a time when we were at Rumors, a bar in DC. George came with Kathy for the first time to join us. Throughout the night, George and Kathy were in the corner with George's arm around her - very much in the clouds, content, and happy. I recall taking advantage of a brief moment while Kathy was away so I could tease him. Describing his feelings for Kathy, he told me, "Joey this is it!" George and Kathy got married and had 2 beautiful kids. He was a dedicated husband and a loving father to Sarah and Larry.
When I saw George already with his health issue, he was still smiling - the same very same smile he always had. We met prior to the pandemic at a Thai restaurant with 2 of our close friends, Tui and Craig. We had a feast and enjoyed our time together as if we were back in time 35 years ago. Sarah came to pick him up afterwards for their father/daughter date.
Michelangelo once said, "Death and love are the two wings that bear the good man to heaven" George, I will miss you and your smile, but plan to see you in heaven someday.
Until then my friend, Joey