GEORGE WILLETS, FUHS '57

George Earl Willets fought a final battle with cancer that ended September 19, 2010. He passed away at age 71 in Redding, CA. George was born and raised in southern California. He relocated to the north state, living in Viola and settling permanently in Redding, after a lengthy recovery from intensive surgery for throat cancer. He became the owner/operator of a successful car pin striping business and a long-time volunteer for the American Cancer Society. Despite losing his vocal cords to throat cancer, George regained his ability to speak, using his new voice to educate teen audiences on the perils of smoking, encouraging them to make informed choices about risk behaviors, and encouraging other cancer survivors to live life to the fullest. George shared his tobacco-free message with youth from California to West Virginia. He was an active advocate against smoking, serving as chairman and spokesperson for the Shasta County Tobacco Education Coalition. In addition, he was dedicated to his sobriety and a prominent figure in the recovery community, well known for his generous embrace and encouragement of newcomers. George was proud to realize the continuation of his message through the June 2010 publication of his book That's Easy For You To Say - Memoirs of a Smoker, Laryngectomee, and Public Speaker.
George leaves behind a vast family of friends who have been touched by his kindness and loving spirit. A celebration of life will be open to all on October 9th at 2 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living (1905 Hartnell Avenue, Redding).

Visit Guest Book (will remain online until 10/23/2010)

Message from Deborah Peel ,


Thank you, Connie, for sharing George's obit. I am his co-author on That's Easy For You To Say and long-time friend - lucky for me! If anyone is interested, there is info about his book on Facebook - just search George Willets. Or feel free to email me. I'm going to keep the book going for him.
Deborah Peel

(Connie has her e-mail address.)