Sorry I did not hear about George's passing until now. I knew George since I was 19 back in 1974 from Lover's Point. He always sat in the cove. We got to be friends then and also at the Pacific Grove Art Center. He was a great asset to the art center and never missed an opening. I will miss him very much.

I met George at Robert H Down Elementary School many years ago we were all in the 5th grade and my brother and George were in the same class.  We spent a lot of time together. I remember when he took up the guitar which became his constant companion, in high school, you never saw him without his guitar. I remember in our junior year when he played at the Hootenanny one was a Bluegrass instrumental and the last song he sang was "All My Trials" a spiritual. We stayed in contact for many years after high school. In the recent years he introduced me to the Art Center in PG and whenever I was in town, I'd ask the people at the coffee house if they'd seen George and then they'd say "he usually comes here around 10:00am for coffee" so I made it a point to make sure that I didn't miss him. He showed me his artwork in his apartment where he resided. A man of many talents. I will miss him. I last saw George in 2017 when I came home to celebrate the big 7-0 in my class of 1965, as always George was always there.......I will miss you my friend and brother.

I only just now learned of George’s passing. Eventhough I haven’t  seen him as frequently as I use to, I felt a deep sense of loss, not just for myself, that too, but how George was so integral in the scheme of the colorful bohemian society that plays such an important roll in Pacific Grove life.
George knew them all, the beach gang at Lovers Point,  the cafe society, adventures, and especially artist of all forms. He himself was a painter, sculptor, and a musician, a musicologists infact as he was keen on presenting and preserving the “ole timey” music, usually of Appalachia, sometimes strumming on his dulcimer, at other times on his guitar and harmonica, while singing old country songs. He was proud that his mother was born in Virginia where much of the music that he was so influenced by perhaps somehow came to him through her. Someone mentioned that George  was also a historian, and I agree. I first met George when he was a teenager.  He was a part of the beach gang at Lovers Point where some real interesting people gathered on nice sunny days. George was interested in everybody’s story and has retold them over many years since. He was a walking archive.  Yes ,George was a Renaissance man in his own right, full of enthusiasm and creativity.   But the most fascinating  facet of George was that he was an inspiration to all that came in contact with him. He so beautifully demonstrated that no matter the circumstances and obsticals that one is presented with, one can still rise above it and live a successful and dynamic life.
His life really mattered.
Robert King

George well ol buddy you went before me, to bad we didn't bet on it. I would of lost. You have been my friend for 50 years and like an uncle to my daughter millie. She was so sad to hear of your passing and had wanted to introduce you to her prospective husband Andrew.  Your dancing doll and dulcimer are in good hands (mine) and your music and art will go on . Shalom my good friend.

George was my first artist friend when I moved to Pacific Grove in 1969. We talked art supplies and went to the Tuesday drawing group at the Art Center.
Later, he became my right hand man in setting up art classes, large benefits, and art openings at the Art Center when I became the President of the Board of Directors.
George was loyal. Never foolish. Hard working. Careful of his duties. Always on time. And willing. He was a dedicated artist and musician.
I will see him clearly in my mind and wish him a safe journey.

  
     I didn’t get to say goodbye.

     I had just visited with George on the Saturday just before his passing. I picked him up at his apartment and we had coffee together at Juice N’ Java, a Pacific Grove coffee shop that George liked to frequent. George would regale me with tales about the old days of Pacific Grove and the way things used to be. He had said he had seen many changes in the local art community over the years. He had been affiliated with The Pacific Grove Art Center, and, If I am not mistaken, he had been with the center since its inception. George would usually be seen on art openings and other special events at the center helping set up and clean up. He had an amazing work ethic.  

     George was a skilled artist both in paints and metal sculpture. I never once saw him without his small, faded light blue artist bag. He carried it everywhere in case he wanted to sketch or paint something on his travels around Pacific Grove.

     He was also a self-taught musician. One of the many instruments he liked to play was the mountain dulcimer. I had the chance to see him play the dulcimer at various open mic events. He was very opinionated when it came to music and was not fond of “Rock and Roll.” He preferred playing, as he called it, “old-timey music.”

     Though our friendship only spanned four years or so, he will be missed. Pacific Grove has lost a wonderful spirit. It’s heartbreaking to think the streets of Pacific Grove and the Pacific Grove Art Center will not be graced by George’s light anymore.

Goodbye George.

I grew up with George. Our families were intertwined and were always close friends. I always figured i'd pass before him even though he was four years older. Everyone talks about his art, but I remember his uncanny ability to pick up nearly any music instrument and play it. He used to play on guitar and sing Blackbird to me when I was down. We lost touch after the death of Gene Dobbs, another close friend. I thought about George recently and mentioned it to Rob and wondered where he was living. Then the news just a few minutes ago via Rob. Saying goodbye to the old year is nothing like saying goodbye to an old friend. Bye George, until we meet again. Much Love <3

George was a fixture at the Pacific Grove Art Center for many many years. He donated his art for fundraisers and cheerfully helped with everything he could. He loved to tell me jokes every time I saw him. He was a rich historian of Pacific Grove. George will be sorely misses. 

George was always smiling, friendly, and helpful at the Pacific Grove Art Center for many years. He was ready and willing to set-up, clean-up, work in the kitchen, and do whatever needed to be done for everything from special events to the day-to-day operations of the Art Center.
He will be greatly missed by everyone at the Art Center, in Pacific Grove, and throughout the art community.

George always had the most positive spirit when talking about his art.  He loved to paint and draw, and delighted in sharing his work with everyone.  He was an honorary Board Member of the Pacific Grove Art Association, and he will be very much missed at every event, opening, or just in his regular rounds to chat.

OBITUARY

George Willis Menasco Jr.

February 10, 1947 – December 26, 2018

The Paul Mortuary

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