George Fredrick Durham

George Frederick Durham passed peacefully in his home on September 27, at the age of 92. His soul left his body with his beloved wife, Lucille Durham, of 71 years sitting by his side. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, greatpa and friend, whose legacy continues in the hearts and memories of those he leaves behind.

George was born and raised in Wolf Point, Montana. A spirited boy, the youngest of eight children, he was brought up riding the grassy plains to Gulley Creek, finding sanctuary in his wind eroded sandstone caves, splashing in the cool Missouri River, and watching the Auroras Borealis over their underground cellar.

In 1947, George joined the US Air Force and courageously served his country for twenty years, eventually retiring in 1967. George and Lucy embraced the moves, including Alaska, Texas, Kansas, and eventually setting root in Rocklin, CA for 54 years. George and Lucy nurtured their three boys: Michael, Donald (deceased), and Ronald. Heavily involved with his boys, he valued each one’s unique skills and talents, investing in time with them out with the 4-H animals, working on cars, and watching baseball games. He served as a role-model of what it means to love unconditionally and irrevocably.

George aged with grace and dignity, with a life that continued to be blessed, eventually adding Grace, Virginia, Ray, and Sa’id into the family. He played a critical role in the lives of his 4 grandchildren: Barbara, Elizabeth (Little Shug), Donald, and Mikey, and was blessed to have met his 5 great grandchildren: Gracie, Charis, Keegan, Mary, and Georgiana.

Those who knew him described him as a listener, selfless, wise, and a Christlike servant who remarkably saw all fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

He will always be remembered as a genuine cowboy - an inner strength as “strong as the bull,” a military man - exhibiting composure and discipline of a true hero, and a family man - provider and supporter, sacrificially loving and caring for the well-being of his wife, children, grandkids and great grandkids. May you rest in peace George, and finally enjoy that Jäegermeister drink with your son Donald in Heaven.

“Now I'm so happy, no sorrow in sight

Praise the Lord, I saw the light”.

- A Hank William’s Song