Grandma, Mom, Kristin, Brett and Family. Lots of love to you all as we find ourselves missing a wonderful man.

It feels like Grandpa has been hanging around to see what everyone is up to. Maybe to even chat a little. Even at 96, there was still that kid in him. I'll remember always his kind eyes, beautiful voice, and the constant humming of little diddies. No one could hum a tune like Grandpa. The last thing we said to each other was 'I Love You'. I know that his last words were meant for everyone. He loved his family beyond measure. He always talked about the visits from family and he truly treasured all those visits over the years. 

My first memories of Grandpa were amazement at his strength and how fast his hands were. He could catch anything that dropped from a table mid-air. He could open any jar or loosen any bolt with his bare hands.  When I was little, I thought that my Grandpa was Popeye. He liked to fish, eat green vegetables, and had the strength of a seaman. So it only made sense that Grandpa was Popeye. 

Grandpa also had an amazing garden. He was the only person I ever knew that could grow corn in Susanville. Think high desert and cold snow in the wintertime. It was the best corn. And the tomatoes were amazing too. Grandpa taught me to love vegetables, because fresh from the garden is best.

Grandpa taught me how to fish. Bluegill was my favorite. Even though they were small, Grandpa and I knew they tasted the best. He taught me patience pays off.

Grandpa taught all of the grandkids to play poker. Blackjack, 7-card stud, 5-card stud, Spit, and we often had a jar of pennies or candy for our pot. Grandpa taught us family time was important and games were King!

Grandpa had a beautiful train set. All to scale of course. A mountain, entire town, trees, people, stores, everything. The town took up an entire room. The platform and detail work all built by Grandpa. Grandpa taught me, life is important. Enjoy what life has to offer, make sure you have hobbies that you love so that you can share them with those you love.

Grandpa was handy and was also known to pull jokes on everyone. From his exploding outhouse to mousetrap coin bank - he enjoyed pulling lots of legs. I suspect much of the quirky humor in the family comes largely from Grandpa. Grandpa taught us, humor is an important part of life.
 
Grandpa built so many things over the years. Birdhouses, tables, cupboards, sewing boxes and more. He was a master craftsman and no one could work with wood like Grandpa. Grandpa taught me the importance of developing a craft guided by passion. He loved working with wood.

Grandpa served his country in the SEABEES. The Navy's Construction Battalion was responsible for building many of the roads and buildings used by other branches of the military. He was especially proud of a sign erected by the Marines expressing appreciation of the road built by the SEABEES when he was stationed in New Zealand. He was proud of his service. He often shared his yearbook with family. He was a true patriot. He taught me the importance of God and Country.

Grandpa treasured his wife and family. In this way, I think he has left his greatest gift and legacy - His love and instilling in all of us the importance of family.

Grandpa. I'll miss you more than words can express. 

We love you. 

To all those left behind who are missing him too, may you find comfort in the beauty of the life lived by Grandpa and the eternal impact he has made on all of the lives he has touched.

Love,
Jessica
John
Brooke
Madisyn

Linda and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Lesa and Randy

Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers

George Pritchard

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George Alfred Pritchard

September 21, 1918 – March 25, 2015

Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers

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