“Big George”
George Arnold Anast, age 68, passed peacefully from this life into eternity on July 28, 2012, following a 10-month hard fought battle with esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his family in the home he dearly loved in West Valley City.
George was born on September 30, 1943 to Betty Louise Skinner Anast and Chris Anast in Granger, Utah. The oldest of 3 boys, he graduated from Granger High School in 1961 and enlisted in the US Air Force. He proudly served for four years during the Vietnam-era as a jet engine mechanic in Glasgow, Montana, repairing the aircraft returning from battle. This is where he met his sweetheart, Maggie Joyce Beck, and they were married on November 13, 1963. After being honorably discharged, they moved to Salt Lake City, where George completed his Business Management degree at Utah Technical College (SLCC) and served as Student Body Vice President. He then began his first career working for Kennecott Copper, where he did everything from electrician to smelter work, for almost 34 years. George was also a proud Union Steward and Teamster, and believed in the power of the worker, often times striking for better pay and safer working conditions.
After his first retirement, George drove a delivery truck for Waste Management, worked as a cashier at SLCC and drove buses for UTA. He loved each of these jobs because it allowed him to be around people. He was a very social and friendly man who seemed to know someone wherever he went.
George was an avid fisherman and hunter as well as a lover of classic cars. He and his wife restored a 1953 Buick, which he liked to show off in car shows with the Bonneville Buick Club. There was nothing George liked more than a bag of licorice and a Jazz, Broncos or a Utes game. Some of his favorite times were spent with family on road-trips to California, and extended hunting and fishing trips with his son to Montana and Oregon.
George was a lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Church and was very proud of his heritage as a grandson of a Greek immigrant. He loved his family dearly and was a fine example of hard work, patriotism and dedication. There wasn’t a day the American flag did not fly over his home.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Joyce, his devoted children Denise (Ray) Wayman, Chris Anast and Connie (Lindi) Anast. He is also survived by his two beautiful granddaughters, Sarah Ann Anast and Sarah Marie Inman, his god-daughter Valarie Lechtenberg and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his canine companions Missy, Benji and Bubba. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Betty Anast, and his two younger brothers, Jon and Jeffrey Anast.
George’s family wishes to thank Dr. Sharma, Dr. Glasgow, Dr. Adler, Dr. Anker, the infusion/radiation staff and Meredith “Ditty” Bannon and the ICU team at Huntsman Cancer Institute. You helped him fight with dignity. Thank you to Bristol Hospice Care for helping us care for him until the end.
His family also wishes to thank a very special son-in-law, Ray Wayman, for his unending love and devotion to George.
George was blessed to be surrounded by many wonderful people, but especially two life-long friends, Bill Puckett and Dee Wardle and their families. Eternal gratitude to Ft. Matthew Gilbert, Jeannine Pappas Timothy and the Pappas family for their sincere love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Or, if you wish to truly honor him, take your family fishing and make some lasting memories. All George wanted was one last fishing trip.
Trisagion Prayer Service and viewing will be held Thursday, August 2, 2012 at Valley View Memorial, 4335 West 4100 South, West Valley City, where family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, August 3, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 South 300 West, in Salt Lake City. Interment to follow at Valley View Memorial Park, Veterans Lawn. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleyviewfuneral.com
The last has gone home. May His Memory Be Eternal.
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