George was born in Omaha, Nebraska and was raised in rural Rupert, idaho.  He and his family lived in the East Bay for may years before moving to Lodi four years ago to be near his grandchildren and enjoy a slower pace of life.

He was born December 29, 1935 and passed away February 23, 2012.

George contracted a polio virus at the age of three which presented many health challenges.  After years of rehabilitation he became an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman.  He loved his annual camping trips to the Oregon coast.  He was a SF Giants and 49er fanatic and supported the Boise State Broncos with equal enthusiasm.  George was a "grill-master" and gourmet cook and "papa's" smoked turkey was a family favorite at Sunday dinners.  Papa's greatest joy was attending his grandchildren's activities and sporting events in which he was their biggest cheerleader.

George was a musician at heart.  He began playing the banjo in college and soon developed a passion for New Orleans style jazz.  He was the leader of many bands, most currently the Black Dioamond Blue Five.  Fondly known as "Mr. Banjo" in the jazz community, George was always at home on the stage entertaining a crowd of fellow jazz enthusiasts.  He and his wife traveled as the band played at jazz festivals throughout the US and abroad.

George and Jean had two daughters: Tanya Knoblauch and Stacey Moffatt; three grandchildren, Elyssa (Elle), Erin and Riley Moffatt.  He is alwo survived by his brother Mike and sister Sharon Crowe and by numerous nieces and nephews.