George had this really special, playful habit of walking ahead of me, then lifting his right arm directly out to his side, shoulder height, and holding it there as he walked,  beckoning me to join him, without looking back.  I would giggle and run to catch him, ducking under his extended arm, tucking myself into his body as he would close his arm around me, squeezing me tightly against him.  It was a jesture of such closeness and love...two now embraced as one, walking forward without slowing down or missing a step.  It was something only we shared, our own secret invitation.  I felt so safe and warm and loved.  In this scared place, tucked so securely under his warm embrace, I was home.  I miss you, George.  I miss every moment spent with you.  I'll love and honor what you gave me and taught me about love until the end of time.

George loved Pina Coladas and other "foo foo" drinks, as he called them, because they were fun and decorated with umbrellas or other colorful items.  His heart was playful and his attitude always positive.  What a beautiful light shinning in this world!!!  His impact still shines on us today.  We love you George!!!!  Here's to you and your beautiful soul!!  Cheers!!!

The George Carter Will Rogers Trail is accompanied by two memorial benches featuring a bronze plaque with a sketched photo of George and Will Rogers as they started their legendary ride at Dog Beach.  The two benches serve as bookends of their famous journey:

1.  Los Penasquitos Canyon Memorial Bench (close to starting point at Dog Beach)

2.  Cuyamaca Group Horse Camp Memorial Bench (ending point)

Photographs of both memorial benches can be viewed on his website: www.trailblazersgeorgeandwill.com

In honor of George and his exceptional achievements, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation held a special ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, complete with discovery table and guided tour of the newly named George Carter Will Rogers Trail.   Named after George and his Saddlebred horse, Will Rogers, The George Carter Will Rogers Trail is a half mile stretch within the 12 miles of Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve, the largest urban park in the United States, located in San Diego, California.  George earned a well-known reputation in the horse community for his unique marathon trail rides and adventures riding his horse. He was the first and only person to travel entirely by horseback from the beach in Del Mar, CA to Cuyamaca State Park Group Horse Camp, a rigorous and unchartered journey through desolate mountain terrain that would take 4-6 days, depending on the route. This feat, which he achieved five times in his lifetime, took him through Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve, where he also volunteered as a mounted equestrian patrol.  Learn more at www.trailblazersgeorgeandwill.com

George loves holidays and was always the most generous and playful person!  One year on my birthday, he had his neighbor make a multi-layer carrot cake and when I cut into it, it had a ball of cash tucked neatly inside, hidden in plastic wrap.  I was overwhelmed!  He just wanted to make every dream come true!  And I always told him the only thing I ever wanted was his company and I just didn't care about anything else.  He was the least selfish person I have ever known and so lucky to have experienced what a truly generous heart feels like.  Thank you so much George!!  

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Dear George,  It’s been years since I met you and Karen while working together in the financial world.  You and I reconnected for a brief moment at a New Year’s Eve party in the late 90’s, and even then you still had that same smile, laugh, and twinkle in your eyes.  Whether it be working or getting together for outdoor activities - envelope stuffing “party” at your place, renting a cabin in Big Bear for a ski weekend, or boating around Balboa Island on a beautiful summer day - you were always a joy to share time with. May you have many new adventures in heaven.  

My friend George.  What a guy!  Always my adventure!  Crazy, warm, fun, with a laugh that made me laugh so hard that no noise would come out!  We bought our horses together and we were rarely apart on our rides.  Whether down by the border watching immigrants sneak under the fences, trying to talk George out of buying a metallic cover for his horse during a lightning storm, or appearing together in a movie with them, we did it together!  He was even the force behind teaching my horse to buggy so we could do that together.  I will never forget what a big part of my life he was.  I’m sure he’s riding again and lighting up the skies!  George, I miss you

George was a remarkable person, having lived a remarkable life, from what I've known about him and have read from the recollections on this site.  I first met George and the lovely Carter family when I was in middle school, after they moved to Westford, which was my hometown too.  Anne became one of my best friends, with George, Barbara, and their folks warmly welcoming me into their home on frequent visits.  What a FUN family to be around! 
     As childhoods go, I couldn't have asked for better.  Trail rides on our horses, playing with and caring for our collective pets, beach trips, neighborhood manhunt games, and just those simple Summer kick back days that make for outstanding childhood memories.  
     As is often said about important childhood friends, I wish now that I had kept track of George.  The kind, funny, good natured boy that I remember carried over into the man that he became.  I wish that I had known him as an adult.  His deep love of animals, as well as for other people, is clearly evident from the numerous stories of his genuine compassion.  Such adventurous years he experienced, and a life fully lived, though cut short.  George will continue riding those stellar trails, and I send my love along the way.  What a remarkable man he was, and I am fortunate to have known him for a brief time.

George had a remarkable talent training birds as well as other pets.  During his lifetime, he had a lovebird, a greycheeked parakeet, two large English budgies, several normal sized parakeets, two minature macaws, a half dozen finches, and the star of the show, his umbrella cockatoo Valentine.  He tamed all these birds to be finger-trained (except the finches) and made them family members that ran around outside of their cages for much of the day.  Valentine learned to do a dozen tricks including playing catch!!  Really fun!!  George was playful and loving with them..a true Bird Whisperer!

Thanks to George and his lovely encouragement to discover the Rock Church, I found my way back to the Lord.  I can truly credit George for saving my soul.  There is no peace or love like that gained from one's relationship with God and I had simply forgotten it until George took me to church.  Soon my sister and nephew were going to the Rock Church as well and my parents came when in town...George helped multiply the good word!!!   I know George is in Heaven now and I hope he can feel that I will be forever grateful for his positive influence on my life and for helping me find home.

One year, we traveled to the Caribbean island of Martinique, where the primary language is French.  One night, we got really cold so I called the front desk of the hotel and asked for a blanket to be brought to us.  What showed up was a ham sandwich!!!  Lol!!!  Not sure how that transition happened but we had a full belly to keep us warm rather than a blanket!!  Fun memories!

Love and miss you George.

I just remembered this really funny story....
George would often go into a Starbuck's and order a "grande latte" - when they would ask his name and he'd say "Venti".  It always confused them.  Maybe you had to be there but it was hysterical. :)

George,

I'll never forget the day George rang my doorbell and to my astonishment, his horse, Will Rogers was looking me in the face!  We were hosting a party later that day and he brought his horse to surprise Amanda (he knew how much she loved horses). I will remember him forever in my heart for his mentorship as well as his kindness and compassion for others. I always admired him for his spirit of adventure, generosity and vivaciousness... rest in peace George, I will always miss you.   

George, 
We miss you already and  are only comforted by knowing you are in your Heavenly Home. (thank you for turning us onto the Rock Church by the way, we love it!) 
There are 35+ years of wonderful memories and some of my favorite are from at the annual San Diego zoo party.  Every September our Zoo Party Gang would dress up in our best “zoo wear” and head out for the food and wine tasting at the World famous San Diego Zoo .  What a blast it was!  You often wandered off though and we wouldn’t find you for a while but we always knew you would return to the big party at the end to dance until closing.  Well George, I know you are dancing in Heaven now and before you know it we will all be together again.  Save a dance for me... Xoxo