LOCKWOOD, JR., George

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 04/26/2013 George Lockwood Jr., 85, died peacefully Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at his home in Nutrioso. He was born Aug. 19, 1927, in Carmel, New York. George was a devoted and loving father and husband and loved the role of grandpa to all. His choice of jobs was to drive a fuel truck on the East Coast for 42 years. His passion in life was being a volunteer firefighter. As soon as he turned 18, he joined the Carmel Fire Department. He served as an active member for 37 years. He stayed with it, training young recruits. He held the offices of chief, assistant chief, captain and more. He was usually the first for every call. He was a lifetime member of the Fire Fighters Association and recently became an honorary member of the Nutrioso Fire Department. George’s hobby in life was woodworking. His projects can be seen all over the mountain. His favorite theme was Christmas and Santa; even playing Santa for the mountain children. He was preceded in death by his wife Ida Tompkins Lockwood. They were married for 58 years. They lived in Carmel for 72 years before making Arizona their home. He loved the wildlife here so much, he would ride his quad on back roads looking for elk. George is survived by his children: Sherry Ann French (Dave), Nutrioso, and George Lockwood III (Sharon), South Carolina. His eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren will have his projects and love to keep him alive in their hearts. Many things could be said about Grandpa George and they will be said at a memorial “celebration of life” Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. at the Nutrioso Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations to local fire departments would have been his wish. “Firemen never die. They burn in the hearts of the lives they have touched.” Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements. Send an condolence at www.burnhammortuary.com.