Obituary of George Elmer Rose Jr.

George E. Rose, Jr. passed away peacefully in Salinas, California on February 20, 2023. George was born on August 28, 1939, in Gilroy, California to George E. Rose, Sr. and Lena Mauer Rose. George was raised in San Juan Bautista. He attended San Juan Bautista Elementary School and graduated from Hollister High School in 1957. After high school, George enlisted in the United States Army. George always despised cold weather and Uncle Sam saw fit to station him in Anchorage, Alaska. After returning home from the Army, George married Sandra Sans and lived his life in Hollister, California. George’s childhood was spent ranching, dryland farming and breaking/training colts with his father, George, Sr. George participated in 4H and FFA showing steers and lambs at the local fairs and the Cow Palace. It was at a 4H event that George met his future wife, Sandy. George and Sandy were married November 14, 1960 in Reno, Nevada. George began working for the County of San Benito road department in 1965. He worked for the county for 33+ years retiring as the superintendent of the department. While at the county, George enjoyed heavy equipment operation. At a young age, George was riding and showing horses. George won numerous awards showing horses throughout California and Nevada. A highlight of George’s life was his annual participation in the San Benito County Saddlehorse Show at Bolado Park, where he was very proud of winning the Figure 8 roping and all-around awards. George thoroughly enjoyed the California Rodeo in Salinas. George was an avid deer hunter; hunting out of state in Idaho, Colorado and New Mexico and especially enjoying camping and hunting with Sandy and children at Vasquez Camp on the Rock Springs Ranch and the Sans Topo Ranch. George also enjoyed fishing on his trips to Paradise Valley, Nevada. George enjoyed calf brandings, ropings, and playing Pedro with his friends and was a life-long San Francisco 49er and Giants fan. George loved his Labrador pups beginning with Pancho, followed by Joy, then Misty and most recently, Jazz. George was a member of the San Benito County Saddlehorse Assn., San Benito County Cattlemen’s Assn., Community Foundation of San Benito County and the San Benito Co. Fair Heritage Foundation. George is survived by his son, Ken Rose, of Hollister; daughter, Tammy Rose, of Bitterwater; his sister, Diana Rodrigues of Hollister, his brother, Jerry (Debbie) Rose, and his step-brother, David (Colleen) Grimes. He is also survived by his niece, Debbie (Alex) Rodrigues-Krieg, his cousin, Harry (Pam) Rose, Jr. and sons Laramie and Kaycee Rose, brother-in-law Paul (SanDee) Sans, nephew Todd (Wendy) Sans and children Sierra Jo, Todd, Jr. and Brody, niece Sami Jo (Gregg) Johnsen and children Rory and Jo Ellen, and niece Jerilynn Sans. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, his parents George E. Rose, Sr. and Lena Rose, and his stepmother Janis Rose. The family would like to extend a special thank you to George’s long-time caregiver, Margaret Diaz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Foundation of San Benito County, 440 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023; San Benito County Saddle Horse Association, PO Box 56, Hollister, CA 95024; Hollister FFA c/o San Benito High School, 1220 Monterey St., Hollister, CA 95023 or to a charity of your choice. SERVICES Celebration of Life to be held March 31, 2023, 11:30 a.m. Paine’s Restaurant, 421 East St., Hollister, CA - BBQ luncheon to be served