Obituary for George E. Gleason
George E. Gleason, affectionately known to some by nicknames, was born on August 27, 1959, in Calumet, Michigan. Later that year, his family moved to Yreka, California, where his father worked for the US Forest Service. The family's commitment to forestry meant frequent moves to various National Forests throughout California.
George’s schooling began at Macdoel Elementary in Siskiyou County where he excelled in basketball, baseball and all-things outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and trapping filled his extra hours. There was a short stint in North Fork, Madera County before his family settled into Cedarville, Modoc County. It was here where he ran free, grew up, and formed his lifelong bonds of friendship. His last two years of High School were spent in Bakersfield, graduating in 1977 from East Bakersfield High. Shortly thereafter, following his passion for adventure, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Construction Battalion (SeaBees), where he embraced military life. His service took him on adventures around the world, working on major construction projects and allowing him to enjoy deep sea diving in the world’s premiere locations. George was an excellent downhill skier and also took the opportunity to ski at many of Europe's most renowned resorts.
After completing his military service, George returned to Bakersfield and began work in the construction trades which took him from one side of the US to the other. Wanting to be closer to home, he joined Cal-Trans, contributing to projects along the California Highway system. Eventually, he left Cal-Trans to work for Krazan & Associates while honing his skills in large-site concrete inspection. This led him to his forever job at HDR Inc. where he loved the people, his crew and the yearly outdoor challenges that came his way. He advanced to the position of Assistant Resident Engineer and was known for his diligence and dedication to quality projects and the safety of his crew. Though he spent many years living on the road, George always returned to Redding, California, which he considered his home.
George led a vibrant life filled with diverse hobbies. He was a talented individual, and no outdoor challenge was beyond him. He enjoyed golfing, skiing, woodworking, gardening, entertaining friends and family, and watching his favorite sports teams—his beloved Giants, Forty-Niners and NASCAR. He also enjoyed occasional casino outings. Above all, fishing was his favorite pastime. Over the years, he owned several fishing boats and loved spending time on the water whether it was on a lake or stream, always hoping to catch the "Big One." George looked forward to the annual Gleason Family Reunion at Medicine Lake, Ca. where the family camped, fished, and took his pontoon boat out for sunset cruises adorned with tiki torches.
George is survived by his father, George C. Gleason of Yreka, Ca. Sisters Carrie Shreffler (Pat) of Posey, Ca. Greta Light (Jim) of San Mateo, Ca. Wendy Reger of Fairbanks, Ak., Stepsister Linda Lile (David) of Susanville, Ca. Stepbrother David Rea of Sedona, Az., nieces Taylor Light, Lindsay Light (Bryce), Riley Reger; Step-nephews Jared Lile, Cade Lile; his longtime companion Judy Williams, and his faithful cat, Ginger.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents George & Naomi Gleason, Johann and Helen Kivela, Mother Shirley Gleason, Stepmother Irma Gleason, and Sister Jacqueline Gleason.
George’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him. His adventurous spirit, devotion to family, and love for the outdoors will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Together, on December 6th, 2025 from 12pm-4pm at 318 Woodhill Drive, Redding California, let’s celebrate George and a life well lived. Feel free to stop by, bring your favorite stories, pictures and/or fish tales and join the Gleason Family in a heart-warming open house and send off to our son, brother, uncle and friend, George.
In lieu of flowers, please support one of the causes near and dear to George’s heart: Donate to the Rocky Mountain Elk’s Foundation(www.rmef.org); Support your local SPCA and/or stop by your favorite Casino and drop a few greenbacks.
George E. Gleason, affectionately known to some by nicknames, was born on August 27, 1959, in Calumet, Michigan. Later that year, his family moved to Yreka, California, where his father worked for the US Forest Service. The family's commitment to forestry meant frequent moves to various National Forests throughout California.
George’s schooling began at Macdoel Elementary in Siskiyou County where he excelled in basketball, baseball and all-things outdoors. Hunting, fishing, and trapping filled his extra hours. There was a short stint in North Fork, Madera County before his family settled into Cedarville, Modoc County. It was here where he ran free, grew up, and formed his lifelong bonds of friendship. His last two years of High School were spent in Bakersfield, graduating in 1977 from East Bakersfield High. Shortly thereafter, following his passion for adventure, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Construction Battalion (SeaBees), where he embraced military life. His service took him on adventures around the world, working on major construction projects and allowing him to enjoy deep sea diving in the world’s premiere locations. George was an excellent downhill skier and also took the opportunity to ski at many of Europe's most renowned resorts.
After completing his military service, George returned to Bakersfield and began work in the construction trades which took him from one side of the US to the other. Wanting to be closer to home, he joined Cal-Trans, contributing to projects along the California Highway system. Eventually, he left Cal-Trans to work for Krazan & Associates while honing his skills in large-site concrete inspection. This led him to his forever job at HDR Inc. where he loved the people, his crew and the yearly outdoor challenges that came his way. He advanced to the position of Assistant Resident Engineer and was known for his diligence and dedication to quality projects and the safety of his crew. Though he spent many years living on the road, George always returned to Redding, California, which he considered his home.
George led a vibrant life filled with diverse hobbies. He was a talented individual, and no outdoor challenge was beyond him. He enjoyed golfing, skiing, woodworking, gardening, entertaining friends and family, and watching his favorite sports teams—his beloved Giants, Forty-Niners and NASCAR. He also enjoyed occasional casino outings. Above all, fishing was his favorite pastime. Over the years, he owned several fishing boats and loved spending time on the water whether it was on a lake or stream, always hoping to catch the "Big One." George looked forward to the annual Gleason Family Reunion at Medicine Lake, Ca. where the family camped, fished, and took his pontoon boat out for sunset cruises adorned with tiki torches.
George is survived by his father, George C. Gleason of Yreka, Ca. Sisters Carrie Shreffler (Pat) of Posey, Ca. Greta Light (Jim) of San Mateo, Ca. Wendy Reger of Fairbanks, Ak., Stepsister Linda Lile (David) of Susanville, Ca. Stepbrother David Rea of Sedona, Az., nieces Taylor Light, Lindsay Light (Bryce), Riley Reger; Step-nephews Jared Lile, Cade Lile; his longtime companion Judy Williams, and his faithful cat, Ginger.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents George & Naomi Gleason, Johann and Helen Kivela, Mother Shirley Gleason, Stepmother Irma Gleason, and Sister Jacqueline Gleason.
George’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him. His adventurous spirit, devotion to family, and love for the outdoors will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Together, on December 6th, 2025 from 12pm-4pm at 318 Woodhill Drive, Redding California, let’s celebrate George and a life well lived. Feel free to stop by, bring your favorite stories, pictures and/or fish tales and join the Gleason Family in a heart-warming open house and send off to our son, brother, uncle and friend, George.
In lieu of flowers, please support one of the causes near and dear to George’s heart: Donate to the Rocky Mountain Elk’s Foundation(www.rmef.org); Support your local SPCA and/or stop by your favorite Casino and drop a few greenbacks.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of George Edward Gleason, please visit our flower store.
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