George L. Collier

Born March 27, 1937 in Rensselaer, Indiana, son of Rev. Otis L. Collier and Fern Brum Collier .Rev. Collier was an ordained Methodist minister.

Attended kindergarten through 9th grade in Attica, Indiana, where the most memorable moment was at 8 years old getting to ring the church bell to celebrate V-J Day in 1945.Graduated high school in Frankfort, Indiana in 1955.

Majored in history and journalism at Franklin College of Indiana; editor of the college newspaper, president of the Young Republican club, member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and worked as sportswriter for city’s daily newspaper, the Franklin Evening Star. Received the Maurice Early journalism scholarship of the Indianapolis Press Club. After leaving college, worked on newspapers in Frankfort and Indianapolis before moving to California in 1963 to join the staff of the Ontario Daily Report as a reporter. Later became city editor of the Santa Monica Evening Outlook newspaper before once again returning to The Daily Report in 1973 as wire news editor. Promoted to city editor once again, and then was appointed editor of The Daily Report in 1977. Later served as one year as editor of the Las Vegas Review Journal in 1981 overseeing a total reorganization of the news staff and a complete redesign of the newspaper and then returned to editor position in Ontario. Appointed Executive Editor of both the Pomona Progress Bulletin and The Daily Report in 1985 with the responsibility of merging the news operations of the two newspapers when they became the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin in 1987. Ended 32 year career in journalism in 1991 to become a field representative for 2nd District County Supervisor Jon D. Mikels. Served as the county’s project coordinator for the California Speedway land use approval process and constructions in the mid 1990’s. Later served 3 years as Chief of Staff for the 2nd district before retiring from the county in 2001.

George was deeply devoted to God and was a member of St Mark’s Episcopal church of Upland since 1967 and recently after moving to Inland Christian home in Ontario found a church home and attended The Bridge in Chino, CA. Former member of the Fontana Rotary club and Rancho Cucamonga YMCA board of directors. American Society of Newspaper Editors, Sigma Delta Chi Society of Professional Journalists, and Los Angeles Press club and board of trustees of the Ontario Public Library. Member of Williams Syndrome association. In retirement was an office volunteer with Empowering Lives International in Upland and was member of the Ontario Reign Booster club. Previously volunteered with the California Philharmonic Orchestra Festival on the Green and was one of the original volunteers with the Friends of the Lewis Playhouse at Rancho Cucamonga’s Victoria Gardens Cultural Center. He had a passion for classical music and was a member of the Friends of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association and its “Office Orchestra” volunteer program. Sponsoring supporter of Chino High School 77th Cavalry Marching band for 10 years. Avid sports fan, especially of Angels and youth baseball, LA Kings and Ontario Reign hockey and USC football.

Married Barbara Martha Irwin on August 31, 1958 in Frankfort, Indiana. She died in 1984.

Survived by three children, a daughter, Kimberly Ann Collier-Endress of Chino; a son Timothy Irwin Collier of Upland and a daughter, Jennifer Lorinda Medina of Alta Loma. Two sons in law , Lea Endress of Chino and Michael Medina of Alta Loma, a daughter in law Krista Collier and six grandchildren, Erik and Adam Endress, Jacob and Jillian Medina, Joshua and Kelsey Clark-Collier. Also a sister Norma Ward of Attica, Indiana, and a brother Keith Collier of Avon, Indiana. A younger brother John died in 2005.

George’s favorite things: Family, Grandkids, sailing and the ocean, classical music and symphony orchestras, baseball, ice hockey, America’s Cup, Indy 500, drumlins and field show bands.

George passed on August 31st, 2012 in his home, surrounded by his devoted family. This date was especially remarkable in that it would have been his 54th wedding anniversary.

In Lieu of flowers family has requested donations to one of the charities that George loved and served.

Empowering Lives International, Headquarters PO box 67 Upland, CA 91785

phone 909-931-1311, http://www.empoweringlives.org/, [email protected]

Living Room Ministries International http://www.livingroominternational.org/ , Living Room Ministries International BOX 992094 Redding, CA 96099-2094 , ph 530-246-0693

Free Wheelchair Mission http://www.freewheelchairmission.org PO Box 52001 Phoenix, AZ 85072 Tol Free: 800-733-0858

Draper Mortuary 811 North Mountain Ave, Ontario, CA 91762 | 909-986-1131, is handling arrangements Memorial is Thurs Sept 13th, 930am at The Bridge 12765 Oaks ave Chino, CA