George Upton

George Upton was born in Tampa Florida on October 15, 1920 and passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 26, 2019 at the age of 98. He grew up in San Bernardino, California and joined the US Navy during WWII. He fought in the Pacific and served on the USS Bolinas and USS Manila Bay from 1942-1945. After the war, he worked for the Siamese Airlines and while on a layover in New York City in October of 1947, he met Jean, the love of his life, on a blind date. After getting married there in January during the blizzard of ’48 by Norman Vincent Peale, George and Jean moved to California and ultimately settled in Santa Ana where they raised their family.

He earned his BA in business from Woodbury College on the GI Bill receiving the honors of Suma Cum Laude. George worked in advertising, pharmaceutical sales and management, and for the County of Orange until he went into the car business. He finally retired in 1982. In retirement George found his passion in philanthropic work. He served as an elder and deacon for the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana, was President of the Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library, was a Flotilla commander and Division Captain for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and in his spare time taught boating and navigation courses at Santa Ana College.

George joined the Kiwanis Club of the Santa Ana in 1980 and was Kiwanian of the Year in 1982 and served as President from 1995-1996. He worked tirelessly with fellow Kiwanians to improve the lives of special needs children in Santa Ana, volunteering at Carl Harvey School and helping to create The Barrier Free Park in Santa Ana. Annually the Kiwanis club hosts the “George Upton Picnic” for these children in the Santa Ana schools at the Park.

George had many interests and lived his life of 98 years to the fullest. He played trumpet with several big band orchestras and enjoyed playing on the weekends at the Catalina Pavilion, once having the opportunity to play with the Harry James Orchestra. He was a director in the ‘60s of a youth drum and bugle corps called the Velvet Knights and sometimes marched as a substitute musician for the USC Trojan band. He and Jean enjoyed years of boating, spending time at their mooring at the Isthmus in Catalina, and being members of the Classic Yacht Club. They also traveled extensively and made yearly visits to London and Hawaii.

George loved his Irish heritage and had an annual St. Patrick’s Day party providing his special corned beef sandwiches and homemade dill pickles for his guests. He loved spending holidays with his children and grandchildren, especially Christmas. Having grown up in the Great Depression, he wanted to provide for his family all that he didn’t have as a child so he enjoyed playing Santa Claus!

George is survived by his three children, Mark, Susan (Bruce Channing), and Gail (Bill Mock). He was also a beloved Papa to grandchildren: Kelly (Ken), Ryan (Michele), Brett (Jessica), Kate (Michael), Erin (Geoff), and Brittany. He also leaves behind five great grandsons and three great granddaughters. He will be missed by his family and friends, but we are joyful knowing he is reunited with his Jeannie and they are dancing again in heaven. His viewing and celebration of life will be held at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana. The viewing will be on Monday July 15 from 6-8pm in the Waverly Chapel, and the celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 16 at 12:00 in the Waverly Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Santa Ana Kiwanis Foundation by writing a check payable to "Santa Ana Kiwanis Foundation". In the memo section of the check write "Barrier Free Park".

Mail the check to Santa Ana Kiwanis P.O. Box 1256, Santa Ana, CA 92702.