Major Stuart A. George (USAF ret.), MD, FACS,
January 18, 1944 - January 2, 2014
Stu died reluctantly surrounded by family at home due to complications of cancer.
He grew up in Flint, MI. Stu worked in an auto factory there, sold beer mugs and washed dishes in college at Harvard (Class of 1966), and graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1971, where he met and married the love of his life, Diana. Together they survived surgical residency in Boston and London, two years with the USAF in Marquette, MI and 20 years of practice as a general surgeon, most of it in Salt Lake City, UT. He then retired from medicine and became a financial services representative with Fidelity Investments.
Stu’s “five minutes of fame” occurred when he portrayed iconic American surgeon William S. Halsted in a film produced by WGBH-TV. Shot in historic locations in Boston, this sixth episode of season one of “NOVA” described the development of anesthesia. Next to his family, his greatest pride was being a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), an organization established in 1913 devoted solely to the improvement of the care of the surgical patient, and its Fellows Leadership Society.
By far the most rewarding and fulfilling role was being father to Stephen and Scott and husband to Diana, his life-long companion and Best Friend of over 40 years. He will be remembered as a man of uncommon integrity who enjoyed skiing, hiking, sailing, opera and Shakespeare. One of his wife’s favorite memories is of sitting beside him during the “Triumphal March” from Utah Opera’s “Aida.” Stu was an enthusiastic supporter of the development of the new Utah Museum of Natural History.
He is survived by his wife Diana; son Stephen (Elioenai) George of Sandy, UT and two beautiful granddaughters thereby; son Scott George of Seattle, WA; and brother Barry (Joanne) George of Midland, MI.
A brief service will be held at 6:00 PM on the evening of Thursday, January 9th at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, where a celebration of his life will follow.
In Loving Memory
Diana, Scott, and Stephen, I don't know why the image of Stu with a fractured clavicle as we were leaving a sporting event, and Carl in front 'running interference' as people bumped Stu causing great discomfort, is stuck in my head at the moment, but it is. I also have thought so often of the Shakespeare festival we went to during our early years at FHP. What fun that was for two non Shakespearre people. They were good times. I wish I had the perfect words to send now, but I don't. So just know that I am holding you in my heart and sending hugs to each of you.
Linda Unsicker
Fairbanks, AK
God Bless the family.
James L. Irwin
New Palestine, In
My heart goes out to your family, Stuart. It was a pleasure to work with you and thank you for your service to our country. I admire your work ethic and ability to work hard at what you loved even when your health was slipping away. You took that fight head on as well even in the roughest times. Thanks for the memories and for the joy that you brought to those around you. I hope there is plenty of skiing and nature hikes for you in heaven, Stuart, because you deserve it. May God bless your family and friends in this time of loss but heaven's gain. Cheers my friend, you will be missed!
Bryon Dangerfield
South Jordan, UT
Dear George Family, I am so sorry for your loss... I worked with Stuart here at Fidelity and always found him to be an inspiration because of his level of engagement with life and with helping people. He also made sure there was a fresh pot of coffe that he was more than willing to share. I appreciated his friendship and presence...he will be missed by all.
Shauna Wright
Salt Lake City, UT
May your happy memories help carry you through this difficult time.
Rebecca McDonald
Salt Lake City, UT
Stu and I were colleages, back in the FHP days. I alway appreciated his consults and care of my patients. He always demanded the best care for his patients, and placed their interests first. I last saw Stu a few years ago, up at the Solitude Nordic Center. At that time, he was into his second career, as a Financial Planner. It was a beautiful sunny day, and he was doing what he loved. My thoughts and prayers to your entire family
Kelly P Murnin
Salt Lake CIty, ut
I had the privilege to work with Stuart on many occasions during his financial career. I found him to be methodical and thorough in his duties and he always did the right thing for our customers. I also enjoyed our many conversations that were non work related as well. Our customers and our company are all the better for our association with Stuart. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Steve Martinez
Salt Lake, UT
Dear Diana, I am so sorry to hear of your husbands passing.I remember your telling of his illness at my retirement party...Diana I always enjoyed working with you and always appreciated your professionalism.. Take care of yourself now and enjoy those granddaughters. I how much fun they can be...love and hugs to you..Ruth Cleckler R.N.
Ruth Cleckler
Murray, Ut
I had the great privilege of working with Stu at FHP. I always felt my patients were in the best hands with him as their surgeon. He exemplified what true caring in medical practice was. He taught me much in this regard and I will always be grateful for this. I extend my heartfelt condolences to your family knowing he is at peace.
Nathan R. Currier
Salt Lake City, UT
I wish I had met Stuart, only knew of him through Elionai and Stephen but I am proud of them never the less. My condolences go out to the George families.
Craig Lund
Los Angeles, Ca
Dear Diane: I just came across Stu's obituary by chance. Please accept our sincere, all be it belated, expression of sympathy for your loss. I certainly remember how devoted you were as a couple during those early years when we were all friends in Boston. May his Memory be Eternal and his Soul be Blessed. Lovie and Joe Condrick
Lovie Condrick
Cornelius, NC