George Greer

George W. Greer, 82, passed away peacefully at home in Mancos, Colo., on Saturday, November 19, 2011, surrounded by close family and friends. He was born on May 11, 1929, in Marvel, Colo., and was a lifelong resident of La Plata County. He spent his younger years in Marvel and La Plata Canyon, and later on the family ranch "down on Salt Creek."

In 1953, after serving 3 years, 2 months, 10 days and 14 hours in the Navy (yes, he kept track of this!), he married Nellie Miller. For 30 years, they lived on 5th Avenue in Durango, where they raised four children, as well as numerous other "adopted" children. The Greers moved 20 miles west of Durango to their "little piece of heaven" 18 years ago.

George's lifelong occupation was driving trucks, and he most enjoyed driving in the mountains of Colorado, particularly when hauling livestock. Though he was dedicated to his work, he never missed a chance to stop and enjoy a sunset. He loved living in the mountains and he loved to travel, but more than anything he loved coming home and spending time with family and friends and sharing a "sippin'" drink. George cherished music and singing old country songs, and often made up his own lyrics. George had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh.

There wasn't a person George came across he didn't touch in a special way. He was a kind, loving friend to so many. George was a truly happy man, with a gentle soul, who saw the good in everyone. He was the type of man that would give a stranger the shirt off his back in a snowstorm and treated everyone as if they were the most special person in the world.

He had a large, close family that included 16 siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Nellie, of Mancos; sons Ed (Colleen) Greer of Tucson, Ariz.; Duane (Beamer) Greer of Bayfield; daughters Connie (Lamar) Tench of Garner, N.C.; and Val (Dean) Hobson of Mancos; granddaughters Mackenzie Greer of Tucson; and Ella (Joe) Hawkins of Durango; grandsons Erik Greer of Fort Drum, N.Y.; Evret Greer of Durango; Dean (Tammy) Hobson of Mercer Island, Wash.; and Alex (Yuko) Hobson of Tokyo, Japan; brothers Earl (Patty) Rea of Ignacio, Colo.; Chester (Ruby) Warner of Perry, Utah; Rex (Jackie) Rea of Denver; Donald (Carmen) Rea of Ignacio; sisters Shirley Sutherland of Arboles; Georgia (Henry) Dittmar of Durango; Peggy (Glen) Leyshon of Ignacio; Mary Goeglein of Farmington, N.M.; Linda (Ed) Searcy of Durango; Sandi (Ernie) Walker of Nucla, Colo.; Arlene Rea(sister-in-law) of Ignacio; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, George W. Greer; mother, Cathleen G. Rea; sisters Margaret Weddle, Ruth Braun (Sis), Ramona Howard (Monie), Nancy Griffith; brothers Ralph, Jr. Rea (Bud) and Ronald Rea.

There will be a viewing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, November 25, 2011, at Hood Mortuary Chapel. A celebration of George's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2011, at Fort Lewis College Gymnasium. Burial will occur at Ignacio East Cemetery in Ignacio. A dinner will be held afterwards at the family home at 3421 Highway 160, Mancos.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado St., Suite 270, Durango, CO 81301, or to the donor’s favorite charity.

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