George Holden Stafford
June 28, 1923 - July 9, 2017
George Holden Stafford peacefully passed away in his Family home surrounded by loved ones on July 9th, 2017. A celebration of his life at St. Pius was enjoyed by family and friends with Father Tom Martin as the Celebrant. He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Margaret Wrigley Stafford, his sister Nancy Daley, his children George, John, Jennifer, Katie, Robert, and his grandchildren, Carly, Simone, Gregory, Jessica, Joseph, Skylar, and Paul. These grandchildren represent the fifth generation on the Peninsula. He was predeceased by his son, Tom and his sister, Elise. George’s life was dedicated to God, Family, and Country at every stage.
George’s Grandfather James Stafford came to San Francisco like many men from England seeking their fortune and joined the Gold Rush of 1849. He was a true California Gold miner staking his claim near Nevada City and marrying Mary Collins, they had three sons. George was born the son of George and Alice Stafford who established the family home on the Peninsula in the 1920’s.
Entrepreneurial by nature, the Stafford Family became well known in the grocery business, real estate, and the timber industry. This wide influence allowed the family to contribute civically and otherwise from Marin County down to the heart of the Peninsula. George instilled, as did his wife Margaret, the need to contribute on every level with time as the most important commodity. George’s time was always well spent.
George’s love and commitment to the Catholic Church and Parish life was developed as a graduate of Mt. Carmel Elementary, Bellarmine College Preparatory, and Santa Clara University. This was enriched by his teacher at Bellarmine, professor at Santa Clara University, and lifelong friend the late Father Robert Graham, S.J.
With the start of WWII, George voluntarily entered the Army in 1942 during his sophomore year at Santa Clara University. He served with honor and distinction as a sharp shooter in the 104th Infantry Division known as the Timberwolves. He received a Purple Heart while fighting in Belgium. This experience gave him a worldview and appreciation for life at every stage.
After the war, George returned home to Redwood City. He met his wife Margaret at the tennis courts at Burton Park while he was attending Santa Clara University and she was attending Cal. They married two years later in 1947.
George and Margaret settled down in Redwood City and had six children. George provided for his family by maintaining what was given and working for the Schwabacher Family of San Francisco for over 30 years. George loved to work but always had his weekends free for family life. This dedication to family was unwavering.
Known to all for his magnificent garden, George spent his life from a young boy to age 93 nurturing his many Redwoods, with 63 in all. The late Herb Caen once quipped that there were still Redwoods in Redwood City and that the Stafford home enjoyed quite a stand.
George’s life was truly enriched by honor and respect and through those ideals he was able to serve his country, his family, and God. He loved and was proud of his family, always encouraging and believing in them. He had a great sense of humor and was incredibly optimistic. George loved our country and was fiercely patriotic. He was devoted to his wife, Margaret whom he respected and adored. He will be missed by all.
George examined his life and the lives of the Stafford’s before him in his memoirs. This quotation was written on January 17, 2003: “As I look back on the many people who formed our family, I realize that these people were courageous in seeking a better life for themselves and their families. It appears they achieved their goals and passed on to us a life enriched by honor, respect, and the love of God”.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the local veterans association: San Mateo Veterans Trust Fund, Attn: Human Service Agency, 1 Davis Drive, Belmont, CA 94002 would be kindly appreciated.