George Critchley

George Critchley would like to pass along one last cheerio. The hard-working, kind and loving Scotsman has passed away, Dec. 5, 2017.

George is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Whitney; son, Roman and grandchildren, Malcom and Mila. George built his dream house, three times over, and he passed away at home, the only way it could have happened.

George described himself as a dunce, but has lived the rags to riches American dream story. Growing up in post-war Scotland was tough, it was good for building character – hard work, sense of humor, a perfectionist and being thrifty.

George joined the Merchant Navy in Scotland and began traveling the world with his young wife, Dorothy, before ending up in America after a short stay in Australia. He moved here with nothing more than a treasure map (literally) of gold claims in the southern California desert, hoping to strike it rich.

The gold prospecting never did pan out, but George had a plan B. He became a millwright and climbed the ladder from machinist, to foreman, to partner, to entrepreneur. George loved owning his own company and calling the shots. He particularly enjoyed contract negotiation. I think one of his favorite pastimes was steamrolling the bush league salesmen when buying a new car.

Although a successful business man, family always came first. Top priority was always taking care of his family, soccer coach, college provider and tough dad.

George really did “do it his way.” Only days before his passing, he successfully negotiated a new car for his daughter.

There should be a few more half-price chocolate bars left at Frys now for someone else.

A Man’s a Man for A’ That

Then let us pray that come it may,

(As come it will for a’ that,)

That Sense and Worth, o’er a’ the earth,

Shall bear the gree, an’ a’ that.

For a’ that, an’ a’ that,

That man to man, the world o’er,

Shall brithers be for a’ that.