Colonel George Cluff Kiser, DDS, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, in Sandy, Utah on May 6, 2017 at the age of 93. George\s life was a legacy of devotion to his family and faith in Jesus Christ.
George was born to Reggin Bell and Ellen (Cluff) Kiser on August 18, 1923 in Salt Lake City, Utah. George was raised in Salt Lake City as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was devoted to his wife, Patricia Anne Robinson, to whom he was sealed for time and all eternity on January 10, 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple of the LDS Church. They loved each other deeply and faithfully throughout their lives. Their devotion and commitment to family, and instructing their children, were constant. Together they raised five sons and one daughter, the youngest of the family. George often quipped that they kept trying until they got it right.
George loved Jesus Christ and sharing his faith in God with others. He was a lifelong student of God\s word, frequently immersing himself in the scriptures. He served faithfully in his church callings with fervor and dedication. He tried to do everything he could to avoid conflict in his life, so that he would have the Sprit with him. His life\s endeavor was to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. George\s church service included: devoted home teacher, Servicemen\s District Mission President in Europe, Branch President at Clark Air Force Base where he spearheaded the building of the Angeles City meetinghouse, High Councilman and Patriarch.
George excelled in education and in his career. He graduated from the University of Utah and from the University of Washington Dental School, and specialized in Fixed Prosthodontics at USC. He practiced dentistry in the military for over 20 years. George and Pat traveled the world together as they raised their six children, living in Germany, Texas, the Philippines, Alabama, and finally settling in Salt Lake City. After retiring from the military, he taught Fixed Prosthodontics at the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio for nine years. George was intensely proud of his military service. He served as an Ensign in the Navy and became a Full Colonel in the United States Air Force. He flew the TBF/M Avenger torpedo bomber and the Bearcat fighter aircraft in the Navy. He was involved in Operation Homecoming after the Vietnam war ended, overseeing dental reconstruction for all POWs. He also assisted in the spiritual needs of LDS POWs as branch president. George loved flying his own Mooney aircraft for many years.
George was a gifted pianist. At the age of 16 he won a Utah statewide classical piano competition and thereafter became an accomplished jazz pianist. George won Pat\s heart when she heard him play and was smitten by his extraordinary improvisational skills and showmanship. He shared his musical talents freely, which added much joy to his life and to others. All who knew George have sweet memories of him seated at the piano, playing arrangements of jazz standards and hymns with his incomparable style.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reggin and Ellen Kiser, his sister Loyse Solomon, his wife Patricia Anne (Robinson) Kiser, and two great grandsons, Joseph and Brody Gneiting. He is survived by his six children: Bart Kiser (Susan), Todd Kiser (Julie), Craig Kiser (Rebecca), Richard Kiser (Connie), David Kiser (Kathy), Kimberly Mills (Bob), 29 grandchildren, and 47 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11 am at the LDS church, 552 E 11400 S, Draper, UT with a viewing from 10-10:45 am prior to services. Another viewing will be heldFriday, May 12, from6-8 pmat Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 S), Sandy. Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 N Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.
