Rev. George C. Aurich

Rev. George C. Aurich passed away peacefully on the 16th of July 2015, while surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 8, 1934 to Eleanor and Merritt Aurich. After graduating from Concordia Seminar in 1959, George came to Houston to serve in campus ministries at U. of H., T.S.U. and Rice University. After ministering at several Houston area Lutheran Churches, he became full time Pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, while also serving as Headmaster of Memorial Hall School and for many years, the RR Ranch Boarding Facility.

This amazing “Gentle Giant” of a man touched so many people during his life. Reverend Aurich was able to combine his ministry with teaching, mentoring and offering guidance to his congregations, students and so many others. While fulfilling his daily commitments to the school and church, he continued to share his love and compassion of our Lord, reaching out within the Houston Community for over 50 years. Up until his time of passing, George continued to teach, preach, perform baptisms and weddings, and was constantly visiting people in hospitals and nursing homes. His work never ended.

George also worked as Chaplain of Big Brothers of Houston, served as a committee member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Steer Committee, was a member of the Houston Area Rotary Club, Houston Petroleum Club and River Oaks Breakfast Club. He served as Chaplain of Lakewood Yacht Club and was recently appointed Rev. Admiral George Aurich, Chaplain, Sam Houston Squadron of the Texas Navy.

“Papa Bear”, was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna “Dandy” Aurich. He is survived by his loving family, his children, Scott Aurich and wife Wanda, Mark Aurich and wife Dede, Jimmy Aurich and wife Dale, Kimberly Taylor and husband Billy; his grandchildren, Scotty, Nowery-John and wife Sara, Colton, Kimberly and husband Bryan, Hunter, Cole and Hannah.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 22nd of July, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service, to Celebrate George’s life, is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 23rd of July, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston.

Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in George’s memory may be directed to Memorial Hall School, 2501 Central Parkway, Ste A-19, Houston, TX, 77092.