George “Butch” Gonzales, age 72 passed away peacefully on Friday, January 22, 2021 at Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to Covid-19 surrounded by his priest and nurses and his sisters.
George resided at Marycrest Assisted Living, Serenity Residence in Denver where he was able to grow in mind, body and spirit through spiritual and educational programs, arts and crafts, games, music, birthday and holiday celebrations, and regular outings for shopping, movies, and cultural attractions which he was actively involved in. Nola, the nurse at Marycrest shared her thoughts with the family:
I have many wonderful memories of George, in the short time that I have been employed at Marycrest and taken care of George. George and I have had many talks about many different subjects, especially about our time we served in the military. I will miss seeing him taking his daily walks around the outside of the facility and in the hallways. I’ll miss him visiting me in my office inquiring about something or another or waving to me as he walked by. There are a few other special memories that I cannot share, but I will forever hold them in my heart.
I want to thank his family for giving us the opportunity to care for such a special guy! He will truly be missed by me and everyone here at Marycrest and was such a special person to so many. Gone but never forgotten! God Bless! Rest in Paradise my friend!
George was born on November 27, 1948 in Denver, Colorado to Mike and Margaret Gonzales. George was a paperboy in the 1960s and won many awards and prizes. Years later as he passed the old neighborhoods he delivered to he could recite names and addresses and anecdotes about his previous customers. He attended Ashland Elementary, Skinner Junior High and graduated from North High School in Denver, Colorado in 1966. He did go on to enroll in some college courses as well. He joined the Navy in 1967. George is a Denver native but travelled throughout his lifetime to places abroad as well as the east coast and west coasts of the U.S.
George was a very good photographer and produced many beautiful photos. At one time he had some in an exhibit in downtown Denver. In later years he enjoyed drawing and coloring. He drove his bike into his mid 60’s which came second nature to him being a former paperboy in his youth. He was closely affiliated with the Denver Veterans Administration and volunteered in the cafeteria and other areas of the hospital. He was very active in the Life Skills Program there. Rachel of the MHICM Group team at the VA which George was a participant shared her thoughts with the family:
“He was a large part of the Denver VA family across multiple programs for a very long time. We adore him. He was incredibly generous and always thinking of how he can help other veterans. He enjoyed leather-working and would make moccasins, wallets, etc. for veterans in need.
“He was such a gentle and giving man. He was so loved by Mary Crest staff, his friends there, and his church friends as well. He will be greatly missed! We are wishing your family peace during this time.” George had all the basic and necessary things he required, but nothing extra because all he needed was food, friends and socialization to have a very good day. He walked a lot and enjoyed being in nature. He enjoyed dressing up and putting on his cowboy hat on hot summer days! He had his struggles and yet each new day brought him new determination.
George was a member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church and was a 3rd degree member of Council No. 11641 of the Knights of Columbus. He was always very generous with giving to his church and to many non-profit organizations. He volunteered to help in many church activities.
He is survived by his sisters, Dora Carnett of Illinois, Gloria (Joe) Breyer of California, Mary (Allen) Beall and Nancy (Jerome) Calderon of Colorado. He is also survived by his best friend Dean Noah. Also, his childhood friend Billy (Sandi) Deets. George is survived also by an extended family of nephews, nieces and cousins in Colorado and throughout the U.S. George was predeceased by his mother Margaret and father Mike Gonzales. He is predeceased by his siblings, Frank, Rita, Ruben and Ernie Krummick, Micky Gonzales and Virginia Morris.
George’s funeral mass will be on Monday, February 15, 2021 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, 2905 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO. The rosary and eulogy will be from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. and his funeral mass with be from 11:00 – 12:00 p.m. For a livestream, please connect via this link at 10:30 a.m. MST https://www.youtube.com/user/stdominicdenver
PLEASE NOTE: Interment will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery located at 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO 80236 the following day at 10:15 a.m. with Honors. Capacity is limited to 10 family/friends. Please reach out to the family directly if you wish to attend.
“Promise me you’ll always remember — you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh”