George Eugene BeatyJuly 29, 1943 – April 9, 2024
George Eugene Beaty, aged 80, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024. Born on July 29, 1943, to Adele and Earl Beaty of German and Italian descent, George grew up to be a kind, playful, popular, and adventurous individual. A lifelong lover of cats, his gentle spirit and warm smile touched all who knew him.
A memorial service to celebrate George’s life will be held at Murrieta Valley Funeral home Saturday May 11th at 11:00am
George was raised on his family’s ranch alongside his uncle George Dorney and family, where they nurtured thoroughbred racehorses. His upbringing instilled in him a deep love for animals and the outdoors.
A popular student and star quarterback for his high school football team, George was known for his friendly demeanor and athletic prowess. Despite the high expectations set by his father, Earl, who often did not see eye to eye with him due to his free-spirited nature, George’s charm and easygoing attitude left a lasting impression on those around him. Earl, though they had their differences, spoiled George With gifts as a T-Bird sports car during his high school years.
George’s adventures with his sister Laurie, who was ten years his junior, included long drives and trips to the beach, where he discovered his love for the ocean. His gentle spirit, kindness, and the playful adventures of his youth carried throughout his life.
He joined the Navy in 1961, partly to carve out his own path and partly driven by his adventurous nature.
During his service from 1961 to 1966, George was stationed on an old diesel submarine. His service coincided with the Cuban Missile Crisis, where he experienced tense moments going head to head with Russian submarines. He often recounted tales of having to shut off all systems and remain silent as enemy subs passed close by. His submarine, noted for being the oldest in the fleet, was decommissioned after years of service. George’s naval experiences deepened his love for the ocean, and he often dreamed of captaining his own boat.
In 1968, George started working at Disneyland, where he met Linda Crumpler on the Matterhorn ride. They married in 1969 in Newport Beach. Due to company policy preventing married couples from working in the same department, George transferred to the sound department, where he thrived as a sound engineer. He pursued further education at Long Beach State, earning a degree in industrial technology.
Leaving Disney in 1973, George and Linda attended a wedding in Maui and fell in love with the island. After a brief return to the mainland, where they welcomed their son Marc in 1974 and bought a home in Huntington Beach, they moved to Maui in 1975, settling in Kuau on the beach. Here, they had their second son, Matthew. George worked at the newly opened Grand Wailea Hotel in 1978, becoming a beloved member of the community. Locals affectionately nicknamed him “Iron Man” for his endurance in water sports. He cherished the island life, enjoying surfing, fishing, hiking, motocross, and photography. An avid scuba diver, George even survived a close encounter with a tiger shark.
Returning to the mainland, George worked for the Union and welcomed his third son, Sean, in 1980. Following his separation from Linda, he met Anneliese in San Juan Capistrano; they married in 1987, beginning a joyful blended family life. George’s career included time at the Pacific Amphitheater and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, where he reveled in working backstage during numerous concerts and performances.
Together with Ann, he enjoyed sailing and traveling to Mexico, further enriching their lives with adventure and shared experiences.
An avid cyclist, George was known for his long rides in his distinctive yellow “Banana outfit,” often surprising his sons by showing up unannounced at their workplaces. He maintained his adventurous spirit and love of surfing, introducing the sport to many and sharing his passion for the sea with his sons. Known for his extended stays in the water, friends and family learned never to carpool with him to the beach unless they were prepared to wait until dark for his final wave.
George’s life was punctuated by a serious health challenge. In 2011, he suffered a heart attack, an event that marked the beginning of a series of health battles. With his wife Ann constantly by his side, he bravely fought for his life on many occasions.
Despite these challenges, George’s strong spirit allowed him to witness and cherish the births of his youngest grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His resolve and profound love for his family sustained him, and he remained determined, fighting to recover and spend precious moments with his loved ones until his very last day. George enjoyed reading the Bible, taking scenic drives with Ann, and spending quality time with his family, cherishing every moment.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Anneliese Beaty, and sister, Laurie Beaty. George was a cherished father to Beate and Brett Wasson, Annette and Michael Kelly, Marc Beaty, Matt and Kelcy Beaty, and Sean and Malissa Beaty and Uncle to August Dolan. He was also a proud grandfather to Bridget, Brooke, Andrew, Madison, Caitlin, Elijah, Keira, Kingston, Hudson, and Adeline. His great-grandchildren, Tatum, Briyana , Gage, Riley, and Peter, will also miss his loving presence.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”