LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On March 18, 2020, George Joseph Guardado (Papa George) passed away after a long journey of battling and suffering with many severe illnesses.

He was born Feb. 6, 1951, in St. Helena, California. He grew up the Napa Valley, played multiple sports through high school, was once playing for varsity when only old enough for JV, and graduated at St. Helena High.

As a teenager/young adult, he was a landscaper. He had such a love for plants, at one point, he was the second runner up in Sunset Magazine for best landscapes. He managed to work his way up from landscaping into building and he helped expand the “Roman Spa” in Calistoga, California. He was able to build a home for his family from the ground up.

In his late 30s or early 40s, he decided to continue studying and was able to acquire his general A & B contractors license, engineering license, and his C54 tiling and flooring license. He then started his own business and began remodeling homes. All of the remodeling was done after he had had 26 surgeries on his ankles that he had shattered in 1986. He was dedicated to supporting his family and the absolute hardest worker.

Fishing was his ULTIMATE passion! He could and would tell you and show you anything and everything there was to know. He owned any and every hook, string or pole that was possible. He had monthly, sometimes weekly fish fries for the entire family and/or friends.

He was always about family and loved the gatherings. He loved all of his children more than anyone will ever imagine and would do anything for each and every one of them. He was one of the greatest fathers, uncles, brothers, mentors and friends. He had the biggest heart and was supportive in any way he could be to anyone that he crossed paths with.

“Papa George” is survived by his wife, Linda Crail; his mother, Julia Martinez; his four siblings, Nadine, Rosemarie, Joseph and Kenneth; his children, Laticia, Ada Rose, Kenneth, Alicia, Vanessa and Georgina; and so many very special and important nieces, nephews, and cousins who all have their own close connections with him.

There are so many people that we would love to list but there are just so many lives that George touched to do so.

Anyone who knew George knows that his wishes were to be cremated. We will be honoring his wish.

At this time with the chaotic issues going on in the world we are unable to do a service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in which we will inform all friends and family to attend.

We are asking that anyone wishing to help with cremation donations/in lieu of flowers and memorial service costs make them to https://www.gofundme.com/f/laying-george-joseph-guardado-to-rest .

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com .