George Henry Crites

George Henry Crites, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on October 2, 2017. His beautiful and adoring wife, Teresa Dengler Crites, was at his side, and he was surrounded by his loving family. He was 78.

George was born on September 4, 1939 to parents Bertha Leona Hickethier and George Henry Crites, Sr. at his grandparents' ranch home in the hills of Drain, Oregon. After graduating from high school, being a young man with an adventuresome spirit, he joined the U.S. Army in 1958. He was honorably discharged in 1965 after serving his country for seven years.

George's natural leadership abilities led him to a management position with Thrifty Drug Company, in Eugene, Oregon. Quickly moving up the company ladder, he became the youngest store manager in the Thrifty chain. Later, he was transferred to southern California, where he raised his daughter Kimberly Anne, and his son Kevin Andrew, in Walnut, California. Kevin predeceased him on May 29, 1992 at the age of 28.

George was a dynamic and energetic one-of-a-kind man. Over his lifetime, he was a charismatic Christian minister who touched thousands of lives; a trusted counselor to those who sought his guidance and wisdom; and at age 67, he answered a seafaring call of the heart joining the Military Sealift Command. He was very proud to say he was the oldest crew member on his ship and stayed with the Command until he retired at age 71.

George was an enthusiastic believer in smiling at strangers first. He also believed in, and lived by example, lavishing compliments and praise upon anyone near him (men and women alike) both in public and private. He always made it his mission to inquire of others about their lives - even during his long and valiant battle with cancer. George always put his troubles aside to get involved with people, and usually encouraged others to join him in the limelight.

Without exception, whoever met George left the encounter calling him friend. He was full to the brim and overflowing with compassion, kindness, generosity, and a will to love others unconditionally. He had a rare gift of being able to challenge others to rise to their greatest potential.

He was a most handsome husband and father, a warm and gracious host, full of star quality, who shared his heart and his vibrant life without reservation.

We love you, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, pastor, friend….you will be greatly missed.

George is survived by his wife Teresa; daughter Kimberly Clancy; son-in-law Michael Clancy; brothers Richard Crites, Robert Crites; sisters Bonita Powell, Linda Williams; grandchildren Ryan, Taylor, Cody, Prosperity; brothers-in-law Donald Williams, Eugene Bell, Robert Hauducoeur, Leonard Dodson, John Dengler; sisters-in-law Dalva Crites, Kathryn Bell, Mary Pat Hauducoeur, Kimberly Dodson, and 17 nieces and nephews.

To watch George's Memorial video prepared by Kim Dodson click here: https://youtu.be/SJCjC4pQ3Pg

If you prefer to make a charitable donation "In Memory of George Crites" in lieu of flowers, the family suggests LaPaz Community School, an International non-profit with the objective of educating and preparing underprivileged students to become thoughtful citizens. George's nephew, Brian Crites, is a founding member and active director of LaPaz Community School/World Children's Project a US 501(c)3 organization. Tax ID 42-1649091.

To donate now click here: www.lapazschool.org/donate_now/