George D. Relich, age 90, passed away on July 13, 2018 with his wife Catherine at his side.
George was born on May 31, 1928 in Pueblo, Colorado to Mark Relich Sr. and Julia Relich (nee’ Ratkovich).
He was married to his love, Catherine Vendetti, on September 16, 1950 and then left shortly thereafter for basic training in the US Army where he served in the Korean War. Later he moved his family to Canon City, Colorado where he built his own home and raised a family of seven children. He worked as a professional welder and repairman at CF&I in Pueblo, Colorado until his retirement.
George was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing in his younger years. He and his family would often take vacation trips to the mountains in a camper that he built with his own hands. He loved to garden as well, and his family says he was renowned as being one who could grow anything, from his beloved apple orchard of 200+ trees, rows of vegetables of all kinds that fed his family, to his famous giant pumpkins that made the news.
He never met a stranger and would often sit for lengthy periods of time talking to someone he met at a store, on a public bench or just about anywhere really. He was always eager to share stories about his time serving during the Korean War and was always giving advice to everyone, even if they didn’t ask.
In his later years, he and his wife would sit on their front porch and make friends with passersby, some of whom became regular visitors to their home.
George is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Catherine (née Vendetti) Relich of Canon City; his children, Danny (Trena) Relich, Steve (Cindy) Relich, Julia (Fred) Radtke, Connie (Tom) Martin, Nick (Denise) Relich, Gail (Page Dexter) Conroy, 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one more on the way along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mark Sr. and Julia Relich, George was preceded in death by his brother Mark Relich, Jr. and his daughter, Diana Hallett.
The family would like to thank the CNA’s, nurses and volunteers from Sangre de Cristo hospice for their care and compassion. At his request, no public service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in George’s name to Sangre de Christo Hospice.
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