George Alfred Weger

George Alfred Weger, 81, died on January 6, 2024 of gallbladder cancer. He was a devoted father, a passionate outdoorsman, and a dependable friend to all who knew him.

Born on December 13, 1942, George grew up in Ukiah, California. His parents taught him to work hard, especially on the family ranch, where he tended to the sheep. At Ukiah High School, George was on the Ukiah Pony-Grad Baseball All-Star Team. He was also a Junior Logger and participated in the Redwood Region Conservation Council. Math was his favorite subject; he could solve almost any equation in his head.

From a young age, George was most at home when visiting the family ranch, surrounded by nature and animals. At night he slept on the porch, snuggled up next to his beagle. At the ranch, he learned to love fishing, hunting, and the peace he found in the outdoors.

George attended Lassen Community College and earned his associate’s degree in forestry. Alongside his studies, he participated in log rolling at the Paul Bunyan games and worked on the Antelope Mountain reforestation project planting 30,000 Ponderosa and Jeffrey Pines. After graduating, George worked for Cal Fire for four years. But his family was growing and eventually he had six kids; a career in forestry wasn’t conducive to family life. George transitioned to a water utility career; he worked at Marin Municipal Water District for 38 years in various positions, including construction inspector. George was a trusted colleague. He was a natural surveyor with broad knowledge and bright instincts, and he really enjoyed his work.

As soon as you met George, you could feel his warmth and kindness. He’d talk your ear off about all sorts of things, and he loved to share advice and stories. Being of service to others was important to George, and he was especially drawn to helping young people and seniors. He grew and donated pumpkins every fall to the Boys & Girls Clubs. He generously donated to the local senior center and county fairs, and he established a perpetual scholarship fund at Mendocino College.

Even when work was busy, George’s number one priority was his kids. He cheered from the sidelines of hundreds of hockey, soccer, basketball, and baseball games. He was a 4-H leader and helped his children raise sheep. All of George’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren knew how much he loved and supported them.

You might have known George as an Oakland A’s fan; he was a season ticket holder, and he rooted for all of the Bay Area teams especially the San Francisco 49ers and Warriors.

George was happiest in the outdoors. He was raised a Methodist and found faith in nature. We will think of him whenever we camp outside and gaze at the stars.

George is survived by his children Don (Maranee) Weger, Jill Weger, Wendy Weger, Dionne (Bill) Peterson, Barrett (Danielle) Smith, and Kristen (Laurence) Brock. Grandchildren Matthew (Erin) Weger, Jennifer (Dylan) Weger-Barron, Kyle Pennington, Kelly (Sam) Pennington-Moose, George (Heather) Peterson, Marlin (Julianne) Peterson, Sam (Rissa) Wells, Kolby Brock, Madison Smith, Kennedy Smith, nine great-grandchildren and companion, Lolita Brafford.

In lieu of a funeral to honor his life, George wanted his loved ones and friends to do something that brings them joy, in remembrance of him. For George, it would have been fishing, hunting, or camping with his family. Whatever joyful activity you do to remember George, know that he would be happiest knowing his loved ones were happy, too.