George Bernard Bray

George Bernard Bray passed away at Madrone Hospice with all of his children and many grandchildren by his side on April 8, 2016, one day before his 84th birthday (April 9, 1932 – April 8, 2016). He moved to Yreka on July 6, 1968 with wife Patricia (Pat) and children Tonya, Georgette, Thomas, Katrina and Paulette from Torrance, CA. As a young man, he served in the Army of Occ (Japan) Pvt-1, and was honorably discharged in 1952. He worked in many trades over his lifespan providing for his family. George worked as a craftsman laying hardwood floors, working at Shell Chemical in Carson, CA, cosmetologist, mobile home set-up and repairman, R.V. repair and ranch hand. Over the years, he was the proprietor of several businesses, including Cottage Coiffure (Yreka), Cottage Coiffure II (Ft. Jones) and George’s Mobile R.V. (Bullhead City, AZ). George loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gold mining. He and his wife, Pat, spent several years with their longtime friends, Ernie and Mary Miller mining on their mining claims, seeking out hundreds of ounces of gold! After the passing of his beloved wife, Pat, he moved to Burns, OR to elk hunt and fish with his lifelong friend, Spencer McMurray. George touched many people’s lives in so many ways. His home was always open to everyone, even strangers he would meet on the road. He would bring strangers home to feed them, give a hot meal, place to sleep and become friends. He never turned anyone away from his home. He helped raise his nephews Don Haas, Rick Haas and Bill Baldwin while they attended school. He remains a beloved father to Tonya Bray of Weed, Thomas Bray (Leslie)of Redding, Katrina Ladd (Ron Sr) of Yreka and Paulette McMaster-Lane (James) of Burns, OR. He is survived by 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, as well as many nephews, nieces and friends from around the county whom he loved. He was preceded in life by his wife, Patricia S. Bray, daughter Patricia A. Bray & Georgette M. Wessel-Bray. At this time the family would like to thank Debbie Borg, who helped as one of George’s caregivers the last weeks of his life. Graveside services will be held on April 23, 2016 at Ft. Jones Catholic Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. with a potluck reception to follow at Lower Greenhorn Park in Yreka.

George Bernard Bray

April 9, 1932 - April 8, 2016