George Harmon Waters

NATIONAL CITY — No doubt about it: Former National City Mayor George Waters loved his town.

Mr. Waters, who served as mayor for 16 years and as a councilman for 12, died Sunday. He was 86. The cause of death is still to be determined, said his son, Jim Waters.

“George was one of those ‘the salt of the earth people,’” said county Supervisor Greg Cox, who met Mr. Waters in the late ’70s. “He lived and breathed National City and was committed to try and make it as nice a city as he possibly could.

“If he saw someone, he would go up and talk to them,” Cox said. “George was always shaking hands and kissing babies.”

Mr. Waters was born March 30, 1928, in Lancaster County, Pa., where he grew up. He joined the Navy and served for 20 years, retiring as senior chief.

He moved to National City in 1965, where he lived with his wife, Victoria, on Carol Place for nearly 50 years. He owned and operated a jewelry store and consolidated office machine shop for about 30 years on Highland Avenue across from Café La Maze. He retired in 1996.

He was taken with National City from the start, volunteering around town. His work caught the attention of city officials who suggested he join the Planning Commission, which he did in 1966.

Four years later, he ran for City Council and won. But he lost a bid in 1974 to unseat Mayor Kile Morgan.

He rejoined the council in 1978, and defeated four other challengers to become mayor in 1986, when Morgan retired. He served until 2002, when he was defeated by Nick Inzunza.

Accomplishments during his tenure include building a police station and community building, ousting adult businesses and perhaps most notably, pushing the concept of what today is the Pier 32 Marina.

City Manager Leslie Deese began working at the city when Mr. Waters was a councilman. “He had an unwavering love and passion for all things National City,” she said.

But Deese said Mr. Waters didn’t take himself too seriously and was a kid at heart.

“On Halloween he always dressed up, and for Christmas he handed out candy canes,” she said. “He would always let us see what he was giving Vicki for Christmas before she saw it.”

National City Mayor Ron Morrison, who served with Mr. Waters for a decade, said Mr. Waters always looked out for National City. “There was not an event that he would miss.”

Morrison said he was also known for speaking his mind.

“Everyone always said, ‘Well that’s just George,’ agree or disagree, even in the middle of a battle you still couldn’t help but like him.”

National City Clerk Mike Dalla agreed. “You didn’t have to worry about misunderstanding what he was saying.”

Dalla, a former councilman, first met Mr. Waters in the early ’70s. They later served together at City Hall for several years. He said National City was No. 1 to Mr. Waters.

“If you were proposing something that he believed was good for the city, you couldn’t find a stronger supporter, and likewise if it was bad, you better watch out,” he said.

Mr. Waters was an orphan, something Dalla said contributed to his compassionate nature.

“I’ll remember George as a man who never forgot where he came from,” Dalla said. “He enjoyed his success and being in a position to help people that needed help.”

Mr. Waters’ son, Jim, 60, said that despite his father’s dual career, he never saw two separate men.

“I just saw one who loved everyone and wanted to make things better for everyone,” he said. “The positive impact he had and how he approached life and people is something that will stay with me.”

Waters said his father had an inexhaustible amount of energy when it came to promoting National City.

“It was ingrained in his personality, and I think many people saw that,” he said.

Survivors also include Mr. Waters’ wife, Victoria; daughter, Sharone Duncan of Alpine; and two grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Del Angel–Berge Roberts from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A prayer service will be held between 7 and 8 p.m. on those days.

A Mass is scheduled for Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in National City at 10 a.m. Monday followed by a burial service at Glen Abbey Mortuary in Bonita.