George was my family's next door neighbor for over thirty years.  We just saw him last year at a celebration at my son's house and had talked over the phone recently.  George was always so helpful, fixing the washing machine which always broke down , fixing the VW bus, so many kind gestures.  We had many fun times around our pool with George and Cathy, his wife, along with all the various meals together.  My children all cherish our good neighbor. George's spirit was large in fact immense.
    We love you George.
   Carm Gullo

One of the best times for our family was the gathering to celebrate Easter!  George (Uncle Pug) and Cathy would come down from the OC to San Diego every year for a fun patio party!  I just loved when they walked in the door and enthusiastically exclaimed, "Happy Easter"!  The highlight for all the kiddos was the Easter baskets that Cathy so meticulously put together with just the right combination of healthy and fun foods.  For the adults, they brought with pride fresh strawberries from the fields near their home.  It was always such a fun day to just relax on the patio and hear all the stories from Uncle Pug. I miss them so much, but especially at Easter...  Love, Missy

George or uncle Pug as the family called him was a lot of fun.  I have many fond memories of him.

The best memory I have of my uncle is when he took me for a ride and his Ferrari. That was the fastest car I’ve ever driven in. He loved that car and the smile on his face while we were driving said it all!  

George made the BEST barbecued ribs I have ever eaten! He had it down to a science.  I will miss you and your barbeque, George.  RIP

George was always a pleasure to be around.  He was quick with a smile, a joke or an interesting story.  He always was engaging and mindfully present. Growing up as his neighbor, I remember as a small child visiting him while he worked on his cars in his garage or driveway.  A coke in hand and usually a cigarette (as was common way back then), he always had time for a curious visitor.  Later in life, he and his wife Cathy and our family stayed connected in one way or another.  It was a such a joy to have been able to drive him to and from a Father’s Day celebration just 2-3 years ago.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed having him be a part of the day’s celebration.  Just a couple of months or so ago, I spoke with him and he assured me that he was doing well and enjoying life😊 – a comfort knowing he was active and doing his thing in his way.

George was one of those men that you could sit down and talk to him about anything in life.  He always greeted me with a handshake and a smile!  Very personable person.  Always would share fun and interesting stories about his life.  He always asked how I was doing and was genuinely interested in the things I was doing in my life.  He had a lot  of pearls of wisdom and shared them freely.  I will miss his simple ways and his smile when we were together.  Rest in peace!


Much like my siblings, George was a fixture of my childhood as my favorite neighbor who never got tired of visits from curious children.  George had endless patience with me when I visited him during his garage projects or knocked on the door to visit he and  Cathy.  George was always warm and attentive in his interactions and made me feel special and appreciated.  He made social events with our family special through his photography and jovial attitude.  I'm so glad that he was a part of our lives even in recent years though we may not have seen him as much.

I have fond memories of George growing up. He was always tinkering in his garage on the weekends. I would sometimes wander next door and sit on the grass while he was working. We would chat and he would tell me what he was working on.  Cathy would come out and ask him if he wanted a Pepsi. He was often working on his Ferrari. I remember that he told me that if I ever drove it- he bet me that I would get pulled over because the police would want to take a look at the car. Unfortunately, he sold it before I got my driver's license. More recently, I had an acquaintance that needed a safe cracked. George was interested in giving it a try so off we went. Unfortunately, we were not successful but he enjoyed trying and had a fun day.  He wanted to stop for lunch and told me it was actually his birthday! It was a nice day to spend with him!

George Ridley was easily one of the biggest influences on me growing up.  I regularly think of him when working in my garage workshop, something George always did.  George was one of the most interesting individuals you could ever meet; lucky for me,  he just happened to be my neighbor with his equally wonderful wife Cathy. George introduced me to his many hobbies and projects within that garage workshop.  Whenever his door was open, I would go over and we would talk.  He always displayed a positive attitude and was a joy to be around.  I am grateful that I was able to express to him the influence he had when we recently got together for lunch.  George will always be fondly remembered, appreciated and missed. 

I will always remember George helping our family with our soap box derby days. He helped our father better our race cars by improving the weight system and axle system.  This improved the cars ability to go down  the hills quicker and assisting in the cars performance. After the races he helped in pushing the soap box car back up the hill for more races.   This was only one of the many  kind gestures he exemplified  in lending a hand to his neighbors .   He was always willing to lend a helping hand and our family was most appreciative. 

Laura 

OBITUARY

George Howard Ridley

April 27, 1944 – March 19, 2020

Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park

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