George was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, the firstborn (and a boy!) to Shirley MacLean Carter and George Henry Carter III. He entered the world with a legacy already formed, becoming the IV George Henry Carter in a lineage of pioneering spirits. He was followed by his sister, Anne, and baby sister, Barbara. The three of them would remain close friends throughout their lives, with George serving as a very proud and loving Uncle to Anne's three boys and Barbara's two boys and a girl.
George was an adventurous and playful spirit from day one, with a thirst for seeking new trails and charting new territory. We were an active and athletic family, living in the country riding horses during his early years and then later, at the water's edge actively engaged in the sailing/boating community, and George thrived in these environments. He wasn't content to ride a horse in ring, or sail leisurely in the bay - he wanted to be out and free, to push the limits on speed, to challenge his abilities, to take risks and feel the rush of adrenaline. The only broken bone he ever had from an accident, in fact, is when he thought he could be Tarzan and grabbed the limb of a tree as he passed underneath on horseback, only to learn that was not such a good idea and landed with a broken arm!
Physical coordination came easily to George, and it showed most prominently in his talent playing tennis. He mastered every surface, earned a wall of trophies and was good enough to have seriously considered becoming pro. He was also really good at any game requiring hand-to-eye coordination, so was a favorite pick when it came to bar games like darts, billiards, shuffleboard, and the like ... he nearly ALWAYS won, so you wanted him on your team! George knew how to laugh and play - and while he was competitive and of course liked to win, he enjoyed teaching more and would be even happier if others won by perfecting what he taught them than him winning himself. His love of teaching would remain with him throughout his entire life and the joy it brought him to help others would be the catalyst that defined his character and drove his choices.
Our family lived in various communities throughout Massachusetts during George's childhood. He attended a private boarding school - The Lawrence Academy in Groton MA for High School, graduating in 1973, and then headed to Virginia for college at the University of Richmond, where he earned a B.S.B.A. degree (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) in 1977. After graduation, he joined his father's business and worked in advertising and marketing, earning recognition for top sales performance and new client acquisition. This was no surprise to anyone! George was most comfortable getting to know people on an individual basis, letting the conversation take its natural course, and earning trust through authenticity. His favorite days were spent learning the history of a business and its role in the community. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting at the bar/counter at the local diner, eating breakfast and shooting the breeze with other patrons rather than dining at a table. He also loved a good New England coffee frap from the local ice cream store, and don't get me started on how much he loved Dunkin Donuts, especially very late at night!
In his late 20's, George couldn't hold back his wanderlust any longer and headed west, landing in San Diego, California, where he would spend the rest of his life. San Diego offered him all his athletic loves in one place - it boasts one of the largest horse/equestrian communities in the United States, is home to some of the best tennis courts, and has an two beautiful bays for sailing and boating, not to mention miles of sandy beaches and some of the best weather in the nation, meaning George could be active outdoors year-round. His first job upon arriving was teaching sailing lessons at the yacht club. He broadened his talents into wind surfing, scuba diving (became certified) and swimming 3 miles nearly everyday.
He also leveraged what he learned from his Dad about marketing and advertising and landed a job at a financial institution in market research, only to leave there a few years later to start his own company, a west coast version of his Dad's marketing firm. While completely independent, he was able to leverage the talents and resources of his Dad's company to get started, and the rest was history, as they say. George's sincere interest in people helped him grow his own business to one of the largest financial institution marketing firms in California, employing a team of graphic designers and writers, and winning a wall full of industry awards. This commercial success allowed his to invest in his second great love, real estate, and he enjoyed purchasing and managing investment property.
When he wasn't working, George could be seen riding his horse Will Rogers throughout the community in San Diego. He and Will Rogers had a very special and unique friendship. Will was a massive and spirited Saddlebred, measuring nearly 17 hands, and loved the adventure of an unchartered trail ride just as much as George did. The two of them would make history together.... George was the first person ever to ride on horseback from the beach in Del Mar all the way to Cuyamaca State Park (horse camp) = approximately 60 miles (by car) and more by horseback through unchartered mountain terrain of the Cuyamaca and Laguna Mountains. There are no designated trails, and most of the trip is deserted, with only mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, fox, deer, rabbit, snakes and other critters to call friends. George said he felt safe on Will's back. The trip would take 4 days (direct route) and 6 days when he challenged himself to take a tougher route. George accomplished this feat five times before cancer forced him to surrender his saddle. The local news took notice, and filmed him riding into horse camp on Will's back, weary, sweaty and tired, but again successful in knowing he could tackle the unchartered and reach the finish line.
George never married - his kids and constant companions were his horse, Will Rogers and his Umbrella Cockatoo, Valentine, along with a plethora of other birds of all sizes and colors, turtles, rabbits, guinea pig and and two adorable Golden Retrievers (Mom and son). While never married, George did experience the love of a soul mate, of families that made him their son, brother and uncle, and friends who embraced him with the kind of love and support that is God's greatest gift. He traveled broadly (swam and snorkeled in nearly every Caribbean island), saw the beauty of Europe and the Mediterranean, and drove cross country with his horse trailer and Will Rogers, breathing in the beauty, vastness and colors of the United States, from swimming horseback in the bay in Cape Cod to riding in the deep snow in Yosemite National Park. One of the most fun activities he and Will enjoyed was serving as a mounted horse patrol volunteer for the park system in San Diego, as well as Search & Rescue. On Thanksgiving Day, he and Will could be seen riding through the streets of downtown San Diego, passing out blankets and care packages to the homeless. They also competed together at the prestigious Del Mar Fairgrounds, winning ribbons for expertise in obstacle driving competition and equestrian dexterity. Always having fun encouraging his pets to socialize, he taught his male retriever to exercise his horse with a lead line and taught his grey-cheeked parkette to stay steady on his shoulder when he played tennis. His umbrella cockatoo Valentine was the hit of the neighborhood, knowing more than 20 remarkable tricks - she could have had her own TV show!
When cancer struck and finally raised its ugly head, initially hiding in the dark corners, it was too late - he was already Stage 4 and the cancer had metastasized to his bones and was everywhere. The doctors gave him two years. He battled and won for nearly 7 years. Cancer meant early retirement from work, laying down his tennis racket, putting away his saddle, and giving up his flippers, but he substituted those for a determined red walker that he outfitted with a pair of tennis shoes so he could keep on traveling and walking and seeing the world. For the first several years following diagnosis, he continued his volunteer activity in the RSVP program (retired senior volunteer patrol) but eventually had to put that aside as well. To the very end, he was still teaching Valentine new tricks, helping her stretch her wings.
George passed peacefully at home on a Sunday (the Lord's day) on April 18, 2021, with his Mom, sister and dearest friend at his side. He lived life with zest, enthusiasm, honestly, love and appreciation. His deep faith in God, belief in Jesus Christ, and the promise of everlasting life was on his last breath. I picture him reunited with Will Rogers now, along with his Dad, and the three of them galloping through open fields, feeling the rush of the wind and the sun shining bright. We will join you soon enough, remembering you and loving you dearly until we are united again. God Bless and Praise to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
NOTE: Please feel free to leave your own memories, stories or condolences for the family by going to the "STORIES" tab and writing your message there, and/or leaving a Tribute on the main page by lighting a candle, laying a flower or writing a brief note. We would love to hear from you!
