Yves George Francis Boiteux, known affectionally by those who love him as “George,” left this earthly state on December 20, 2020. He passed away in his home in Riverton, Utah, at the age of 87. Always considerate of other’s momentous occasions, he waited until the day after his son’s birthday and the day before what would be his mother’s 111th birthday (and the 70th anniversary of the arrival of his mother and sisters to Ogden, Utah, from Switzerland) before deciding to make his grand exit.

While his family wasn’t ready to see him go, the “le vieux” was eager to get his younger, stronger, legs back. We are all sure he is dribbling and kicking many soccer balls in heaven! Constantly anxious to travel on time, making sure to leave for the airport hours before the plane would leave, and always ushering Shirley out the door, we know George held on as long as he could before leaving for his greatest trip of all, back to that of his Heavenly home.

He leaves behind his beloved sweetheart of 59 years, Shirley Ann Jennings; his sister Michele (Tom Mitchell); step-sister, Janie Jennings Bartlett; his two children, Steven (Tamara “Tammy” Marchel) and Yvette (Donald “Donnie” Hatch); his eight grandchildren, Taylor, Lexi (Cody Campbell), Dylan (Rylee Kay), Drew (Robert “Bobby” Okvist), Ashley, Carly (Cody Moyes), Yves, and Blake (Suphawadee “Fon” Phothiworn); his two great-grandchildren (with two on the way!) Dusty and Porter; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who love him dearly.

Son of George Emil Boiteux and Marguerite Zigerli, George was born on September 9, 1933 in Geneva, Switzerland. He lived an adventurous life that his loved ones were always eager to hear about. Mixed with the fact that George was the master of telling tall tales, listening to his stories was first-rate! In 1948, at the age of 15, George joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with his mother and two younger sisters. The next year, George left the Alps of Switzerland, by himself, for the Rockies and red rocks of Utah, which were to become his home. While living in St. George, Utah, he quickly learned his fantasies of being a cowboy were not meant to be. Rather, he found himself swiftly moving back to Salt Lake City to experience life as a teenager on his own. After being reunited with his mother and sisters, George graduated from Weber High School, followed by a stint at Weber College where he was chosen as a sorority sweetheart his freshmen year. Ultimately, George, who was fluent in three languages: English, German, and French, graduated from the University of Utah with his Bachelor of Arts in Languages.

At the age of 21, and near the tail-end of the Korean War, he was drafted into the United States Army. It was during this time that he was able to receive his U.S. citizenship, for which he was very proud. Throughout his life George carried a deep love and respect for this country and never missed an opportunity to practice his civic duty as an American citizen.

After his military service, he returned to Switzerland to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ in the Swiss-Austrian Mission. While George would be the first to admit he was not perfect, he was perfect in trying to be better—especially where his testimony was concerned. Throughout his life George continued to work on and develop a great love for, and testimony of, Jesus Christ and His gospel.
After his marriage to Shirley and the birth of their two children, the young family moved to Huntington Beach, California, where they lived for the next 50 years. During this time, George worked for McDonald Douglas Aircraft Co. which allowed him to travel and see much of this world. But of all the amazing places he got to visit, home was always his favorite place to be.

In the eyes of those who knew him, George was a man larger than life. With a charismatic smile and personality, he always brightened the day and left others feeling encouraged and optimistic. His wit, sense of humor, and funny stories left us all rolling in laughter. A real gentleman, George consistently showed how to treat a lady right. He was always quick to stand when a woman entered the room and never failed to get the door for his wife (occasioned with his favorite part—a peck on the lips). It is impossible to sum up the measure of man that George was and continues to be in the world of spirits.

George was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister Arlette and her husband Tony Bermingham.

The hole left by George’s absence is large. And while he is dearly missed, we know he will always be close by. To honor this amazing husband, brother, father, grandpa, and uncle, a Celebration of Life will occur early in 2021 as soon as the COVID pandemic allows. Further details for the location and time will be provided. Please contact Steven Boiteux, George’s son, at stevebah2@gmail.com with your contact information if you are interested in attending and we will keep you updated.