Edward Maximilien Joseph George
Edward Maximilien Joseph George
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Edward Maximilien Joseph George. Edward was just a month and 22 days shy of his 107 birthday when passed from this world on February 26, 2011.
Edward was born on April 20, 1904 in Tongre, Belgium, to Charles Edouard George and Pauline Marie Ransbatyn. In 1913, when Edward was just 9 years old, his family immigrated to America from Antwerp, Belgium. They settled in Dallas, Texas. At the time of his passing, he could still recall the three -week Atlantic Crossing. At the age of 16, Edward had to drop out of school and find a job to help support the family. He later attended night School to get his high school diploma and his U.S. citizenship.
At the young age of 19, Edward met and married the love of his life, Rosa Lee Sunshine Brewer in 1923, and with this union, they had a daughter and two sons. They were happily married for 76 years until Rosa Lee passed away in 1999. Edward’s first job was the Texas Electric Railroad where he worked for 20 some years. He is a lifetime member of the East Dallas Masonic Lodge # 1200, which he joined in the late 1920’s. He attained master Mason status on Feb. 17, 1930.
In 1941, Edward moved his family to Burbank, California where he built the house they lived in for the next 63 years. Edward worked for the Southern Pacific railroad for several years as a fireman on steam engines. He retired from railroading in the mid 40’s and went to work for Helms Bakery as a driver/salesman for 13 years. After Helms shut down their operations, Edward worked at odd jobs part time for a few years. Edward always worked with his hands and one of his many hobbies was woodworking. He liked to build children’s furniture.
After retirement, Edward enjoyed riding his motorcycle in the desert with his son-in-law. After breaking his foot at the age of 75, he retired his motorcycle. He broke his shoulder in his 90’s after falling out of a tree he was trimming. At age 100, he lost his gallbladder. Other than the above, he has stayed healthy, taking no medications, only a daily multivitamin.
Edward would eat a hearty breakfast every morning, and then spend his day reading the paper or running errands with his son, Chuck.
Edward credits hard work, a sense of humor and bright outlook on life for his success and longevity.
Edward was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Rosa Lee Sunshine Brewer and daughter Dorrace (Frank)Vosepka.
He is survived by two sons; Chester P. (Carolyn) George of Wellington, NV and Charles E. (Linda) George of Camarillo, CA. Grandchildren; Cheryl St. Onge, Denise Vosepka, B.J. (Greg) Chandler, Scott George, Julie George and Cindy (Steve) Corrigan. Great Grandchildren; Michelle Bohman, Nicole (Bob) Minor, Stephen George, and Bryan Chandler. Great Great Grandchildren; Justin, Jessie, Jeremy, Jason &Jaden Bohman.
Guardian Memorial, Funeral Directors and Crematory, A Heritage Life Tribute Center, Oxnard, is assisting the family with the arrangements. 485-2572