George Benjamin Barberick Jr.

George Benjamin Barberick Jr.

George Benjamin Barberick Jr., beloved husband, father, and meat extraordinaire passed away at home on October 3, 2021, at 87 years old.

George was born in Hanford, California, on April 23, 1934. He was the youngest of two sons born to Laura "Ruth" McCulley and George Barberick Sr. After graduating from high school, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served overseas in Guam during the Korean War.

George was a hardworking, self-made man. After leaving the Navy in 1956, he embarked on an illustrious career in the meat industry. George started out as a truck driver and worked his way up the ranks to management. He got his start at Tulare Meat Company, where he worked for more than a decade, and then moved on to Diamond Meat Company, where he worked as the Head of Sales. Because of his strong work ethic, he was hand-selected to go to Tehran to help construct an abattoir for the Shah of Iran. After returning from Iran, George moved back to California to build a thriving wholesale meat trading business, Barberick & Associates, which he successfully operated for 26 years. His friendly competitor and dearest friend, Llyod Manning, was by George's side through and through as he diligently served his customers, right up until the day that he passed.

George met his wife, Maurine Gunion, at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, California, when he realized that he kept coming back for the beautiful cocktail waitress more than for the drinks she served. They were married on Valentine's Day in 1972, blending their two families – Debra, Kellie, Georgia, and George from George's side, and Bobby and Robin from Maurine's side.

George loved his family more than anything. Despite his busy career, he always made time to support his children and their interests, especially when it came to sports. It wasn't unusual for all of his kids to have a basketball or baseball game on the same day. Miraculously, George never missed a game, not even once.

In 1997, George and Maurine moved to McCloud, California. They started the tradition of bringing the whole family together for grand holiday parties with live music, dancing, and festive food. At each gathering, the DJ would blast "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge, which was the family's cue to stop what they're doing and boogie on over to the dance floor. Everyone flocked to George, hoping to get the first dance. Any family member will tell you that these celebrations are some of the fondest memories of their lives.

George was a man of many interests. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, trap shooter, and gardener. He adored old cars that were "so tough and fast that nobody could ever imagine owning them." Before he passed, one of his desires was to get a souped-up truck with all the bells and whistles -- lifted, 800 horsepower, and jet black in color. Based on his macho car preferences, it might be hard to believe that he also had a soft spot for animals. You could often find George spending time with his many loyal dogs, walking amongst the deer in the backyard, or holding Honkey, the Canadian Goose that visited him every year during its migration.

George was a dynamic man who meant many things to many different people. He was the irreplaceable leader of the Barberick family, and he will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

George is survived by his loving wife, Maurine Barberick, and six children: Debra Jackson, Bobby Gunion, Kellie Barberick-Sanders, Robin Merten, Georgia Seitzinger, and George Barberick. He is also survived by his seventeen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and his closest nephew, Brad Barberick. George is reunited with his parents and older brother.

Friends can visit George's family during a viewing on Friday, October 22, 2021, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, or attend the memorial service on October 23, 2021, at 1:00 PM. Both events will take place at the Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel.