With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Norman Thomas George, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Norm peacefully passed away at home on August 1, 2024, into the arms of the Lord.
Born on July 20, 1931, in Santa Barbara to Willis and Agatha George, Norm was raised in Ventura, California. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1949 and enlisted in the Coast Guard, where he served honorably from 1951 to 1954. During his service, he met his first wife, Doris, in Louisiana. They later returned to Ventura, where Norm earned his degree from Ventura Community College in 1956. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 1958.
Norm began a long and successful career with Shell Oil Company, working there for thirty-one years until his retirement in 1989. It was during his time at Shell that he met and married Joan, his loving wife of forty-two years. Together, they traveled extensively, exploring the U.S. and abroad.
Family was at the heart of Norm’s life. He cherished camping and boating vacations with his large family and delighted in playing Santa Claus for loved ones, organizations, and his local daycare center. A man of many memberships, Norm was involved with the American Petroleum Institute, Petroleum Pioneers, Shell Retirement Club, and Ventura Retired Businessmen’s Club. His dedication to serving others extended to feeding the homeless with Catholic Charities for twenty-five years.
Norm was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Willis George (Varene) and Arnold George (Jean), his sisters Claire Northon and Diane George, his ex-wife Doris, and his daughter-in-law Tina Allen. He is survived by his devoted wife Joan, his sons Gary George (Diane), Steve George, and Craig George (Debbie), his daughter Sandra Verdoorn, and his stepdaughters Joanne Bohnert (Gene) and Jeanette Yanez (Jim). He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
