Service Remembers ‘Santa Claus’ George

Clad in his familiar red jacket with his long white beard resting on his chest, Robert J. George was remembered Tuesday by hundreds of family, friends and admirers at his funeral service as the man who was Santa Claus.

Until his death from congestive heart failure on July 1 at age 74, George lived full time as Santa Claus for nearly 50 years. He participated in numerous charity activities and Christmas events, including the White House Christmas tree lighting ceremony for eight different presidents.

“There are 156 days left to Christmas but for our friend Santa Claus there are none,” Stephen Ruda, a fire captain who worked with George at numerous Los Angeles Fire Department charity benefits, said in a eulogy. “Sleep in heavenly peace, dear Santa. Sleep in heavenly peace.”

Speakers told of how Santa Claus brought hope to all those he ran into and how George would continue to spread his message of hope and cheer even after his death.

“In these past two weeks God has called both Roy Rogers and Santa Claus to heaven,” said family friend and entertainer Pat Boone. “You know the kids up there are having a great time.”

In a letter addressed to George’s wife, Stella, and read before those at the funeral, former President Jimmy Carter spoke on behalf of his family.

“We cherish the relationship we had with Santa,” Carter wrote. “We are proud to be among those whose lives he touched.”

As soloist Rick Segall sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” mourners at the Church on the Way wiped away tears and bowed their heads in tribute to Santa Claus.

“Bob was a dreamer and he lived his life in many dreams,” said George’s nephew Larry George. “Many of those dreams came true because he never gave up trying to achieve them.”

After the funeral service, interment was held at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills.

Pastor Gary Abke from the Church on the Way read from a short personal history he wrote about George.

“We will miss his “Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas” and the twinkle in his eye,” Abke said. “Maybe, just maybe, on July 1, 1998, the angels had a chance to sing “Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus . . . “