George Thomas Francisco

George Thomas Francisco, age 82, of Grants Pass, died Sunday, August 2, 2009 at his home.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 15, 2009 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with Father Jim Boston officiating. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

George was born October 13, 1926 in Santa Barbara, California and grew up in Bakersfield, California. On July 7, 1946 in Bakersfield he married Minnie Coleman. During World War II he served in the United States Navy as a Radioman Second Class. George was the radio operator for Admiral Barby in the South Pacific. In 1948 he moved to Grants Pass and was a partner in Coleman’s Well Drilling before retiring in 1982.

He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge.

First and foremost, George was a family man: a dedicated and loving husband and father. He also enjoyed the outdoors as a passionate skier and loved to backpack, fish, boat, and camp. He was a consummate musician playing violin in his early years, but focusing on viola in his later life. His ever present sense of humor tickled everyone.

In addition to his wife, Minnie Francisco of Grants Pass; survivors include a daughter, Tomi Francisco of Coos Bay; a son, Alan Francisco of Federal Way, Washington; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Brian in April 2009.