George Ernest Phipps

Resident of San Carlos

March 15, 1924 – April 11, 2012

George Ernest Phipps passed away at home on Tuesday with his beloved wife by his side after battling a long illness.

George was born in Taunton, Massachusetts and graduated from Taunton High School in 1940. In 1951, he relocated to California and went to work for Safeway, Inc. George enjoyed a 52-year career with Safeway and at the time of his retirement in 2003, he was the longest tenured employee Safeway has ever had.

Starting as a food clerk, George rose to the level of store manager. Over the course of his management career George managed nine Safeway stores on the Peninsula and East Bay. In 1988 George began his second career with Safeway transferring to the Safeway Security Department as a locksmith, a role he continued until his retirement.

George was a registered master locksmith and a certified locksmith instructor. He was a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and over the years conducted workshops and classes for both seasoned and aspiring locksmiths. In addition to locksmithing and being constantly busy George enjoyed history, reading, trips to Bodega Bay, peanut brittle and taking care of his dogs.

George was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy; his second wife Doris; his brothers Albert and Bill; his sister Ruth; and his son Robert.

George will forever be remembered by his loving family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Pamela; his son James Phipps (Adrienne) of Santa Clara; son Albert Phipps of Redding; daughter-in-law, Esther Phipps of Lakeville, MA; grandchildren, Marcus Phipps (Michelle) of Campbell, Brian Phipps (Erin) of San Jose, Robert Paul Phipps (Rhonda) of Taunton, MA, and Jessica Phipps of Lakeview MA; and great-grandchildren David and Ben Phipps, Mariah Phipps, and Eva Phipps.

He is also survived by his niece Susan Berry of Taunton, MA; step-children Kimberly Bingham (Bill) of Arlington, WA, David Carter (Maureen) of Folsom, and Jennifer McMahon (Marty) of Castro Valley; and step-grandchildren Sean and Megan Patnode, Adam and Paul Carter, and Bryn and Arden McMahon.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Redwood Chapel, 847 Woodside Road in Redwood City.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Pathways Hospice, 585 North Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 (www.foundation@pathwayshealth.org)

or the Peninsula Humane Society, 2 Airport Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94401 (www.phs-spca.org).

Redwood Chapel

650-369-5537