The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where George spent his childhood growing up. At age 17, he enlisted in the United State Marine Corps and fought in World War II in the battles of Guam, the Marshall Islands, Guadalcanal, and Okinawa. His unit was the First Armored Amphibian Battalion. He was discharged in 1945 and married Phyllis Burgess in 1947. The couple was married in the St. Nikolas Serbian Orthodox Church in Omaha, where George was a life-long member.
George and Phyllis moved to Livermore area in Colorado in 1948. They were among those people who built the Livermore Community Hall. Residing mostly in the Fort Collins area, George was instrumental in forming the Youth Baseball Program known as Little League. He coached the Lions and Red Sox for many years.
George and Phyllis became interested in Quarter Horses. They were leaders of the Hayburners 4H Club for many year and shifted their interest to raising and racing Quarter Horses. George was a member of the AQHA for 55 years and was active in racing in many Midwestern states.
George pursued the electrical trade and is a 65 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 68, Denver, Colorado. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sport activities.
He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Phyllis; his children, Andy (Sandee) of Ault, CO, and Karen of Fort Collins, CO. George will also be fondly remembered by his grandson, Zach (Kylee) Legino; his six granddaughters, Laura Nelson of Greeley, CO, Diane Nelson of Fort Collins, CO, Julie (Matt) Chapman of Evans, CO, Brittany (Chris) Turnball of Eaton, CO, Abby (Matt) Hicks of Mead, CO, and Kelly Legino of Fort Collins, CO.; his seven great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 10:00 AM at Resthaven Funeral Home and Memory Gardens (located at 8426 S. Hwy. 287, Fort Collins, CO).
Memorial donations in memory of George may be sent to the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church at 1331 S. 177 Street, Omaha, NE 68130 or to a charity of your choice.
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