Obituary of George Thomas Heyl

George T. Heyl, 77, passed away on June 14th at his home in Lincoln, California. George was born in Missouri, but moved at a young age to Palo Alto, California where he was raised along with two younger brothers and a younger sister by his parents Richard and Mary Heyl. George attended Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, CA and would ride the train every day until he purchased his first car, a 1957 Studebaker. He would then join the military, but after being honorably discharged at the age of 21, he continued his education at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ for one year before transferring to San Jose State University to be closer to his family. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from SJSU. He joined the U.S. Army after high school and during the Vietnam War was stationed in Paris, France where he became a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things French. His wife and children would hear about the time he spent in the military and the adventures he had in France for many, many years to follow. Paris was his favorite place on Earth and he was very proud of the time he spent in the U.S. Army and had a great appreciation for the United States Armed Forces. Later in life, George was a member of the Paradise Veteran’s Honor Guard and would perform memorial honors at military funerals. George enjoyed many things in life. He was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers and usually enjoyed watching games with his family, unless they were losing in which he would leave the room. He spent quite a few years scuba-diving and introduced the hobby to many people including his daughter and his nephew. As a younger man, George enjoyed a good cigar and a glass (or two or three) of scotch. He loved Jazz music and had quite the extensive library of songs that he would listen to throughout his entire life. He was also very active within the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) where he was a National Scrutineer, the highest ranking level you could achieve, where he would check cars for compliance and safety during races. But most of all, George loved his family and would very much enjoy spending time with them. His happiest times were when his children would come to visit him and his beloved wife Pat in their beautiful home in Paradise, CA and most recently in Lincoln, CA. Additionally, he loved spending his last few years with his grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife Patricia; his children Matthew (spouse Sarah) and Sara (spouse Jeff); his grandchildren Nathan, Zach and Isaac; and his brothers Roger and Mark and his sister, Christine. George was preceded in death by his father, Richard and his mother, Mary. A service has been scheduled for July 9th at 11:00am at Old St. Mary’s Chapel, 5251 Front Street, Rocklin followed by a celebration of life.