Obituary: PHELPS, GEORGE

George Phelps1932 ~ 2012With profound sadness, on November 9, 2012 we bid farewell to George Phelps, a remarkable and deeply respected husband, father and grandfather. Although we find solace in the unwavering faith that we will be reunited in the presence of our Heavenly Father, the joy George brought to all of our lives will be deeply missed and cherished forever. George Augustus Phelps, Jr. was born on May 17, 1932 in Oceanside, Nassau, New York. George grew up with his parents George Augustus Phelps and Susana Dorothy Kearney in Rockville Centre, NY. Young George always wanted to be a Marine and at age 16, he attended Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, VA. He then earned a Naval scholarship to University of Utah and served in the ROTC program. While at the University of Utah, George was a proud member of Sigma Chi, which spawned a lifetime of cherished friendships. George met his true love Sandra Stewart while she was attending East High and working at Mac's sandwich shop on the Salt Lake City east bench. After an 8 month courtship, George's determined spirit eventually won Sandy over and they were married on June 7, 1954. Given George's ambitious nature, on the same day they were married, George graduated from the U and received his commission as a US Marine Corp Officer. George joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was baptized on October 20, 1956. George and Sandy were sealed in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on May 16, 1959. George and Sandy lived their early years in Malibu, California and raised seven children, Carrie, Georgie (deceased), Chris (deceased), Jenny, John, Katie, and Saam. While attending grad school, George worked as a door to door Fuller Brush salesman. This was followed by a 15 year career with Dean Witter. During this time, George also attended law school at the University of West Los Angeles School of Law (graduating Cum Laude) and taught at the local community college. George also fulfilled a personal goal of becoming a reserve officer with LAPD (graduating from the academy Cum Laude). In 1977, the family moved to Visalia, California where they opened a Dahnken Store. George continued his successful investment planning and employee benefits career and served as a partner with Cutler & Company for 20 more years. The Phelps children were blessed throughout their lifetime with witnessing an absolute and true eternal love. George and Sandy expressed that love daily through hand holding and tender heartfelt words of endearment. George and Sandy dutifully lived their lives together with a mutually committed devotion and respect for their LDS faith and found a beacon of light in their scriptures. George served as Bishop of the Pacific Palisades, CA ward as well as serving on the High Council. At the time of his passing, George was comforted in knowing he will again be reunited with two deeply loved sons who preceded him in death, George Stewart Phelps and Michael Christian Phelps. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 142 West 200 North, Salt Lake City. Friends and family may visit from 10-10:45 prior to the service. Interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the care managers at Sunrise Holladay Assisted Living and a special thank you to Frankie and the wonderful people at Inspiration Hospice.