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.
George was a really good human. His heart shone through. I suspect he left a positive mark on every life he touched.
Love you Yves.....I'm really planning on you being right in this whole after life stuff...
You will obviously have to come visit me somewhere below....
Can't believe how much I'm going to miss our simple conversations.....you made me better George....in everything...
See you soon....Donnie
My heart is with you during this time.
His obituary is such a nice tribute to him. Thank goodness for loving families and wonderful memories.
George is a remarkable individual. Who was loved by all who knew him. Our warmest regards go to Shirley and the family.
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man and his adventurous life! What a blessing to have known him. He will certainly be missed. Many hugs and prayers to you all as you move into this new phase of your lives here without his physical presence. I am sure he won't be far.
Our love and condolences are extended to all who knew George but especially his family who I know will be missing him in a way that no words can describe. The world is a lesser place without his presence but I am a better man for having known George, felt his warmth, and seen his lust for life. Meeting George made me want to be a better man myself, a better husband and as good a Dad as I could be. A fine example of what a true gentleman looks like and how we should behave. I know you will all miss him dearly but I know his legacy will live long.
Our deepest condolences Shirley,Yvette and Family, may God give you the strength to overcome your loss. He will be missed.
George was and is an amazing man. Always so loving to me and my family. He will always be in our hearts. Love the Bernardeau and Lopez clan.
So sorry to hear of George’s passing. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Dear Shirley,
I was so sorry to hear of George's passing. I send you and your family my condolences. It was a lovely obituary. You will have the comfort of your big and loving family, as well as good memories. It is a difficult loss after so many years together.
Shirley - so sorry to hear of George’s passing - We are thinking of you and your family and send our love and hugs.
What a beautiful and perfect put tribute to George! I am so thankful for his warmth and kindness he always showed others! I will so miss hearing his stories and look foreword to the new ones I’ll hear when we meet again!! George and Shirley have set such an amazing example of what it means to be family and I am so blessed to be adopted into theirs through marriage! Until we meet again!!
We have loved and admired Shirley and George for decades and though they moved out of the area, we have been able to keep up with parts of your life by the internet. George always had a smile on his face and arm around loved ones. He was special! Just hours before he clicked he was following me and what an absolute shock to learn he had passed. Our deepest sympathy to Shirley and their family at this time. He will be remembered forever. Jerry and Mary Ann Huisken
George — our memories of you are ones of wonderful conversations, laughter and international travel. We send our love to those you left behind and especially to Shirley; the chasm you left behind will be hard to fill.
Sending love and best wishes for a safe journey. Xx
Shirley and family,
What a blessing it has been to know and serve with a man of such heart! We have been abundantly blessed and think of him with the warm feelings of sunshine. He has always made us smile!
May Heavenly Father bless you at this time of "goodbye for now", knowing families are forever. May you be comforted with all the hope and love the gospel brings and with the knowledge you are loved by many. We send all are love, Shirley!
Love always,
Gary and Kathy
My most sincere Condolences and love to you my dear friend Shirley, and, to your family. What a wonderful tribute to George. My heart is heavy right now, I wish I could comfort you at this time. Your friendship and Georges, has always comforted me! I am always here for you, when needed. Charon...
Dear Shirley, my love and prayers for peace and strength and comfort. May God be by your side and walk with you through this time of change and temporary separation. And may you have great hope for the marvelous reunion that awaits you both.
Shirley, Steve and Family our thoughts and prayers are with each of you! We have always loved George and are thankful for the time we got to spend with him. Such a warm, loving friend, husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by so many. We pray you will find strength and peace during this time and know we are always here. Love you lots!
Tami, Kaity (Clark & Wells), Kylie, Ray & Karen
We lost a hero in humanity! What memories, life experiences, and gratitude for this fellow! Like his wonderful wife Shirley and kids Steve and Yvette, our smiles are much brighter-because of them. Scores of love~
We can’t express how much George meant to our family. We will remember George in so many positive ways, with a big smile and a great sense of humour. Nobody could write an email or letter like George. We are sure he is up there now playing soccer with loved ones and retelling stories. We will cherish the memories and fun times spent with him.
All our love goes out to Shirley and the rest of the family.
Marc, Sarah, Jack and Layla x
To Shirley and family: Our hearts are heavy with sadness to hear of George’s sudden passing, as it seems like only yesterday we were messaging and recalling times in Huntington Beach with friends. George had so many, as did Shirley. A warm, fun and loving couple that had you in laughs at George’s quips here and there. Never saw a frown on his face, always a smile for everyone, never crossed a hallway or path without saying hello. I can imagine George as the “pearly gates greeter” - an arm extended to give you a warm hug, a smile on his face to greet you, and a cheery welcome as he walked the path with you. You will be missed by many.
George and Shirley are two of our favorite people! They were more than just neighborhood friends, they were a light in our lives. George was always gracious and quick-witted. I was blessed to be welcomed into their home at least monthly to feel of their love and caring. As a fellow Ute fan, we relished discussing the latest game. Heaven is a better place now that he is there. The hole left in our earthly lives simply postpones for a season the immense joy we will feel when we again are reunited. Shirley, Janean and I are praying for you and your family.
Phil Johnsen
