George Lehi Talbot, Jr.

George L. was born at home Dec 2, 1923, a surprise to his parents George Lehi Talbot (45) and Eliza Hulda Adams (40). He was so small he was placed in a blanket-lined cigar box on the stove warmer, and his father kept a nightly vigil, giving him drops of liquor and rubbing his tiny chest to keep him breathing.

As George grew, he idolized his big brother Lionel, 17 years his senior. His sisters Ireta and Lona were respectively 19 and 12 years older than George. Lona called him a darling little boy and was like a second mother to him.

The family lived on the corner of Gentile and Talbot streets in Layton and had a large farm East of their home. George remembered tending cows, horses, other animals, and growing crops there. When he was about 7 years old, a good family friend came to school to take him home.  He kindly told George that his family was safe, but his home had burned. Many years later George still remembered the anguish and despair his parents experienced when they lost their home and their savings in the Great Depression.

George was in his Senior year when he and several classmates were taken to attend Utah State Agricultural College where they were enrolled in special courses and trained to maintain/repair electronic equipment. At 128 pounds, 6’ 2” tall, he was classified as 4-F by the Military, so George served his country in the Civil Air Patrol. He utilized his skills with electronics to obtain employment at HAFB. Throughout his life George delighted in electronics. He had an inventive mind and loved studying the inner workings of things. He was able to invent, modify, or improve on many devices he used in his work or leisure time.

Davis High School was where he first saw his future wife, Mary. He said he had dated other girls, but he was really drawn to her. They waited until she graduated to marry in the Logan Temple and set up housekeeping in Kaysville. After the births of their sons Mike and Steve, they moved East of Highway 89 adjacent to Mary’s parents and began to build up “The Cherry

Orchard”, where they remained the rest of their lives. Here their son Lincoln was born. Through tons of hard work their family became well known as growers of the finest cherries and peaches around.

In addition to becoming a Supervisor at Hill, George worked with his sons on the farm, where he taught them the skills he’d developed. He employed many local youth, giving them good jobs and valuable training. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and scouting adventures with his older sons. All three sons could count on Dad to take them to innumerable Music lessons, Band practices, recitals, and performances. Although Mary teased him that he was her worst piano student, he read music, sang, and played the banjo.

George was a long-time member of the Kaysville JayCees and was President of the Rotary Club. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, George served in various positions including Genealogy specialist and Ward Clerk.

The fondest dream of George and Mary was to have all three sons and their families live on “the farm” with them. That dream became a treasured reality when each family built or remodeled homes in the orchard. We worked and played together there for over forty years.

One of Dad’s favorite pastimes was teaching the family dogs to perform tricks. Even our large Lab/Chow mix could gently take the cookie George held between his teeth.

As his parents’ youngest son, he felt an obligation to care for his aging mother. Though it was heart-rending, he filled that responsibility with love and kindness. He then cared for Mary’s mother, his sister, and finally his dear Mary, helping each of them through the dark days of dementia. We’re thankful he didn’t personally experience much of that in his own life.

After retiring from Hill, George began a career in Real Estate. He enjoyed his job, but mostly he loved the lasting friendships he made with his co-workers and some of his clients. We all were proud when he made the “Million-Dollar Club” at Brough Realty.

When Mary passed away George had much free time which he filled studying wonderful books and magazines: science, history, mechanics, electronics. He became pretty adept at computer games with the Grandkids. He was very helpful to the widows he knew and took them grocery shopping, to doctor appointments, or to lunch in his shiny red truck. Grandpa could always be depended on for a ride to or from school, friends’ homes, wherever. He bought a Motor home and a Rhino 4X4 and loved camping and riding in the mountains with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents, parents-in-law Peter and Florence Sherner, brother, sisters, and their spouses, all his nieces and nephews, his son Michael, Great-Granddaughter Emilee, and many life-long friends. George is survived by sons Steve (Elaine) and Lincoln  (Joleen); Grandsons Tristen (Allison), Steven Jr. (Shannon), Leland (Jenny), Shane (Amber),  Jared (Kimber), Sam (Jenne), Russell (Chelle); Granddaughters Heather (Russell) Winkler,  Trisha (Val) Stephens, Leilani (Clay) Denison; 36 Great-Grandchildren; and four, soon to be five  Great-Great-Grandchildren; Great-Nieces and -Nephews; and many wonderful friends, including  friendships made at Treeo and Legacy House of Ogden. Our Family wishes to thank those who took special care of Dad.

We all loved Grandpa George, and his absence will be keenly felt.

Mortuary services provided by Russon Mortuary & Crematory. Visitations are Tuesday, November 9th from 6-8:00 PM and Wednesday, November 10th at 9:45 AM with an 11:00 AM Funeral Service at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 N Main Street, Farmington, UT

Interment will be at the Kaysville City Cemetery, 500 E Crestwood Road, Kaysville, UT

For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary and Crematory Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Russon-Mortuary-Crematory-105412734572327

Services will also be streamed under this obituary beginning at  11:00 AM.