CLAUDE, GEORGE H. (aka "Coky")
Sept. 11, 1923 - Aug. 11, 2020
George, a native-born Angelino, was born at Methodist Hospital, L.A. on Sept. 11, 1923; passed away Aug. 11, 2020 just one month shy of his 97th birthday; son of Arthur L. Claude who emigrated from Switzerland, and Julieta Velez Escalante from Mexico.He is predeceased by his brother Arthur (Tito) 2006 and his sister, Dolores (Lolly) 2013 and is survived by his wife, Betty, of almost 69 years, daughter Teresa D. (Terry), 1955, and son Mark A., 1957, nieces, Patricia, Betty, Pamela,nephews, Brad and Stephen.
He graduated from LA High in 1942, served in U.S. Navy as Ship's Cook First Class, from 1942 to 1946 aboard SS Mormacwren, a C1B type ship used as a troop carrier in the Pacific.
George retired from Los Angeles DWP in 1979 after 30 years service as a storekeeper.It was during a period while working on the gorge project in Bishop, CA that he met Betty, his future wife, who had recently emigrated from N Ireland.They married at Santa Barbara Mission in 1951.During his time with DWP he worked at Sylmar, El Segundo, Ducommon, among others.
George always told the story of how he sold newspapers during the depression years at LA Memorial Coliseum and grew to love USC. He was so proud that his son attended USC where with family and friends he enjoyed many, football games.
After retiring, George and Betty moved from Gardena to Orange County, where he became a Master Mason with the Saddleback Lodge No. 832 which was then just starting.He was Master of the lodge in 1985 during which time he presided over the cornerstone laying ceremony of the new Trabuco Hills High School.He supported the DeMolay boys' organization and was Rainbow Dad for the Rainbow Girls.
Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Servants of Mary, Ministers of the Sick at 2131 W. 27th St., Los Angeles, CA 90018.