Happy Birthday Dad.  It's been over a year since you left us and hardly a day passes when you don't cross my mind.  I will always carry you with me in my heart.

I miss you Dad.  This has been very difficult year to get through without you there to talk to.  I think of you all time.  Love always.

It is hard to believe it has been almost a year since you left us.  I think of you every day and miss knowing I can't pick up the phone and call to say Hello-Love you always.

Loving you forever and always dad. Almost a year ago and I just miss you so much!

I feel so blessed and thankful for what my grandfather gave me. He gave me a family and raised the man who I call dad. He gave me an excellent example of being a respectful loving human being, not by words, but by his actions.

My own son will not get to see him but as he gets older, I will make sure my son knows of the kind loving person I called my Papa. I loved when I got to go on long walks with the family, and just walking next to Papa was always comforting.

I will forever miss my big bear of a grandpa and his hugs, but I know that he still lives on in my heart.

Eulogy provided at funeral: 

Thank you for  asking us to share some thoughts and memories about GC Sturgeon.  
It is an honor and a privilege to speak on behalf of the Sturgeon Family in tribute of Uncle GC.   He is a son, a husband, a father, a grandpa, a brother, a brother in law, a cousin, a friend, an US AirForceman, he is my dad's and his sibling's brother, he is our Uncle.  My dad, Kirby, is GC's brother and he is three and half years older than him.  In other words. they were "the baby brothers of a family of nine children.  His sisters, Aunt Lois and Aunt Betty were not able to attend today, but we share their thoughts, prayers, and love at this time, as well as, other family members that could not be here.


My dad has shared some of his memories of Uncle GC as they were young boys 
growing up in the river bottoms in Oklahoma.  I have heard tales of their early days of Dad and his friend, Mac Brown, taking off on adventures in the country, only to find Uncle GC wanting to "tag along".    They had tree climbing, playing cowboys and indians, fishing, swimming in the creek down the  road from their farm home.  

I'm pretty sure Uncle GC never lacked for attention since he had five older 
sisters.  Being an older sister of two baby brothers myself, I know at least one of those sisters wanted to play "momma" to him for much of his young life.

I also hear stories about our "dad's" and their "fighting spirits"!  I think in Uncle GC's case he had to learn to fight  early on as he had three older 
brothers and at least one nephew older than him.  Yes, nephew, he was an "Uncle" when he was born.

As his life began  in Oklahoma, a few of his family members have planted their roots there and Uncle GC's visits home were always a welcomed event.  One of my first memories of Uncle GC was when I was three or four years old.  He came home on leave and he had his air force uniform on.  He was so handsome.  
Another memory of Uncle GC is when he returned to the states from Germany with his new German bride and that was a defining moment in my life.  I fell in love with my new "Aunt Heidi" instantly.  She was and still is BEAUTIFUL!!  I suddenly developed a "new accent" and said "ja" instead of yes.  My mom finally had had enough of my new learned accent and had to bring me back to earth and plain ole Okie talk.  I was talking to my cousin Pam the other  day and she said 
she did the same thing.  Aunt Heidi, you have always been a treasure to our 
family and we thank you for bringing our Uncle true love and devotion for over 50 years.  We thank you for our cousins, Michael, Kim, and Mark, and for sharing them with us whenever time allowed.  

Michael, Kim, and Mark, we love you all and your families.  We always welcome you into our hearts and homes.  

As your new "normal" begins, please know that your Sturgeon family, wherever 
they may be, OK, California, or where ever, love you and will be praying for you in the days ahead.

Eulogy provided at funeral:

Faithful – My father was always faithful to his wife, his children, and the rest of his family, as well as the country he served for 32 years in uniform. He always met his responsibilities to his family and his nation.  He was truly a rock that all could depend upon, and we frequently did.  He was always there when you needed him to be, to provide love, support, and encouragement.
Able – My father was indeed an able man.  Whatever activity he engaged in, he made sure that he did it right and did it right the first time.  As a CMSgt, he represented the very best of his chosen profession.  One doesn't reach this level, or accomplish all other great things he did in life, without being good at what you do.  As a child I can remember thinking that my dad can do just about anything and I was truly right about that.
Tenacious – My father did not give up easily.  Those who saw him deal with his various health problems over the last few years know this well.  As much as he had been through, as tired and wakened as his body was, he did not give up on life or the idea that he would get healthy again.  However, when the end was near and it became clear that the doctors had done all they could, he accepted his fate with true grace and courage.  
Honorable – My father embodied all the qualities of an honorable man.  He always demonstrated honesty, integrity, and an unwavering sense of right and wrong.  It is for this reason that he had the respect and admiration of so many, from his closest friends and family, to his co-workers, to his military superiors, and even to those who only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times.  
Endearing – To know my father was to like him.  He was an amiable man who got along with most everyone.  It didn't take long at all for people who had just met him to grow fond of him.  You could see this in how he was treated by the nurses who cared for him during the last weeks of his life.  They could be found joking with him, and he with them, right up until the very end.
Respectful – Just like army Army value of “respect” instructs, my father treated others the way that they should be treated.  It didn't matter what a person's race, background, nationality, or social status was, my father treated him or her equally well.  You wouldn't catch him acting any differently around a celebrity or prominent person than he would around anyone else.  Maybe it's because he knew that regardless of money or prestige, we are all fundamentally the same in our humanity and that it is ultimately character that really counts. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the world.  
Finally, when you bring list all of these attributes in order they spell “father”.  This is the description that means the most to me and what will be my dad's greatest legacy.  That he, together with my mother, brought three children into this world and through them six grandchildren and now a great-grandchild.  That he raised us right and taught us what we need to know to live good and, God willing, successful lives.  Anything that I may have accomplished or will still accomplish in my years on this earth is due, in large part, because of him.  He would always tell us how proud he was of us and now I would like to say to you Dad, that I could not be more proud or blessed to have had you as my father.  Thank you for all you did for me and the rest of the family.  Know that you did well and leave us in a good place.  And, finally, know that you will always be loved and will never be forgotten by all of us.  May you rest in peace in heaven with our Lord and experience the everlasting joy and peace that you so deserve.

Eulogy provided at funeral:

I do not feel I have the skill or eloquence to adequality express how I feel about Dad and all that he meant to our family.  
The one phrase that persistantly powers through is:  He was always here for us-- providing unending support, guidance, wisdom,
and love.  This gave me a sense of security and comfort throughout my life.

We know that when it comes to parents(and grandparents) we hit the jackpot.  I am so proud to be your daughter, Dad.

Although he may no longer be physically among us he most definitely still exists.

I would like to share a poem that beautifully expresses this sentiment.

The poem is called Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep by Mary Eizabeth Frye

Do Not Stand at my grave and weep
I am not there  I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripend grain.
I am the gently autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there I did not die

Eulogy provided at the funeral:

Dad is my hero.  When I was asked through the years from high school to now who inspired me, truely I would put Dad.
When they talked historical figures, sure I put Lincoln or some other significant American leader, but always a constant throughout was Dad.
Although he taught Kim, Mark, and I the values and principles that make us what we are today, to be independent, resourceful, honest, respectful, 
compassionate, he wasn't just about the talk, but he exemplified those values and principles himself.  What really internalized it for me, was 
that he demonstrated those principles on a daily basis and showed me what right looked like.  As I got older, Dad never told me what to do, he would provide advice and guidance, but he allowed me to make my own decisions.  I made some bad decisions, but won't talk about those here, but I did learn from them.  But his influence while growing up, as a leader, teacher, mentor, guided me in making the decisions I make to this day.  This influence guided me to work hard while in high school, get a job and make my own money, save my money, not take drugs, do well in high school, attend
an academy, serve my country, demonstrate integrity, lead and take care of soldiers, persue my dreams, attend flight school, treat people wit respect, marry a great women, have wonderful children, and it goes on and on.  His legacy will not only be carried on through us, but through 
all the people he has touched.
Dad you are truely my hero and you will be always in my heart.  I am really, really going to miss you, but know you are in a good place, watching over us.
Love you Dad.

Visiting with Uncle GC and Aunt Heidi has and always will be fun family memories for us. I've had the pleasure of playing golf with him in Oklahoma and California. Each time we saw each other, we shared the same values, politics, and solved the world's problems together.  If only he could have been President. 
Our Dear Uncle, you are sorely missed.  Thank you for your service to our country, to your family and friends and to the fun happy memories you have blessed us all with. 
Love 
Gregory Sturgeon and Family

Uncle G.C. 

I admit that I only have been in your presence maybe 3-4 times in my entire life. As my dad's uncle I have heard many great stories about you and your wonderful family. The Sturgeon family is a close knit family and because we are spread out all over the world, it is hard for all of us to get together.  G.C. you have lived a wonderful and fulfilling life and you are no longer suffering and you are now in God's hands.  Everyone in our family will continue to live your legacy and you will be missed. I am sorry my parents and my family here in CA were unable to be by your side. We love you and your family and everyone in the Sturgeon family tree. We love you G.C.

Oh Cleve! After forty-two years of friendship we are devistated with your passing. The laughs, the travels, the working together and your love of family and our country made you one of the greatest men we've ever known. God bless you, Heidi, your children and others of your extended family.  Your legacy will last forever.

 How we will miss our dear Friend. His warm thoughtfulness will always be remembered.

My favorite Golf Buddy. Enjoyed the game and each other. Our demeanor fit. Will be sorely missed.

Cleve was a good friend and will sorely be missed by all of his Air Force family. We had a close personal relationship and I fondly remember the weekend volksmarches our families took together in Wiesbaden. Cleve and I had two assignments together and I always valued his judgement and sage counsel. 
In 2010 he made the effort to play a round of golf with me but I could tell it was a tiring experience. When we were younger we had some great times playing softball.  He was a true patriot and dedicated family man.

We are going to miss G. C. He has had a special place in our lives and hearts. Someday-we will be reunited.  May God bless all of you and know that we are thinking of you and praying for comfort.

How blessed we were to move right next door to Cleve--this sweet, unassuming yet very interesting good man and his beautiful wife, Heidi, seven years ago! To think that he has left us so soon is almost unbearable...praying for God's Strength and Peace for Cleve's family in the days ahead.....we love you!   Rob and Janeann and family

OBITUARY

G.C. "Cleve" Sturgeon

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services