George Raymond Boden Jr.

George Raymond Boden 1933 - 2011 George Raymond Boden, 78, of Bakersfield, CA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. George was born on March 16, 1933, in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, to Clara Meseravich Boden, whose parents both emigrated from Warsaw, Poland, and George Raymond Boden, Sr. George's parents, and all his siblings, Henry, Dorothy, and Kenneth preceded him in death. George was a Korean War Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army. During a portion of his working days, George was a highly skilled roofer, but felt most at home during his years at sea as a merchant marine. He worked on oil tankers for ARCO Marine, Inc. until his retirement in 1990. George cherished the time he spent with his family, visits to Pismo Beach, and enjoyed the afternoons he spent at the American Legion, Post #26. It was at "The Post" that George met Herman and Brian Vega, father and son, both retired Marines. George considered these "brothers" his "best friends," and Herman and Brian considered George their "third amigo." To those who knew him, George taught tremendous lessons about life and about being a good person. One rarely saw him mad or heard him raise his voice. He always had words of encouragement and wisdom. George was adored by his family and friends, and was a loyal and loving father and Papa who always made time for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. George was married to his wife Jacquie Boden Sullivan for 10 years, but they became happily divorced about forty years ago. George and Jacquie remained dear friends, always focusing on the well-being of their four children. For holiday celebrations, birthday parties, school events, and an occasional "family" vacation, George and Jacquie would both be present. George taught us all that when a relationship fails, the friendship does not have to end. It takes a strong man to model this with the ease, style and class that George did. George is survived by his children, Richard, Julie and Linda Boden, but was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Joyce. George is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Josie; son-in-law, Bobby; grandchildren, Mirna Rees, Jessica and husband John Ellis, and Kevin Reed; great-grandchildren, Chris Rees and Zoe Ellis; many neices, nephews, cousins, special friends Raleigh "Brownie" Brown of Waco, Texas, and Joe Brunette of Long Beach, California, and a large pet family consisting of grand-doggies and grand-birdies. Special thanks to Honorary Grandson, Adam Narveson, who had the courage, clarity and strength to administer CPR - but George had already gone home to heaven. Special thanks, also, to Mercy Southwest ER staff for their gentleness and compassion. Finally, thank you to Jim Luff for his contribution to this tribute. George was a giant of a man! He was a sailor by profession who referred to dying as "going to that big ship in the sky." Today, he is more than likely referred to as "Captain Boden." We are devastated by the loss of the man who was our inspiration, but are grateful for the opportunity we had to call him Dad, Papa and friend. Cheers buddy! This one's for you! 'Till we meet again. Viewing is scheduled at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, on Friday, August 19, 2011 from 4-8 pm, and on Saturday, August 20, 2011, from 12-1 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011, at 2pm at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel and will be officiated by family friend, Pastor Doug Bennett. A reception will follow the service, and a private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George Boden's name to American Legion Post # 26, SPCA, and Bakersfield AIDS Project.