Obituary for George Leslie Sevy, 1947-2023

A long-time resident of Victor, Colorado, George Leslie Sevy passed away on July 12 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs. He was well loved in the District and beyond.

 

George was born in Cedar City, Utah, February 1, 1947. His father, George Warren Sevy, was in the Air Force where he met his wife, Dorothy, in Leamington Spa, England. The Sevys traveled extensively during his childhood. George attended elementary school in Germany, and high school in England before graduating from Alhambra High School in Phoenix, AZ. Attending Phoenix College for an extended period gave him a student deferment, nevertheless he was drafted into the United States Army in October 1967.

 

George served in the infantry in the Vietnam War with honor and distinction. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during the defense of Saigon: he saved two injured members of his unit from a Viet-Cong held house despite his own shrapnel injury. George was also awarded a Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

 

Tragically, George did not emerge from the Vietnam conflict unscathed. As well as the shrapnel wound, a traumatic brain injury left him disabled. George suffered from severe PTSD and alcoholism for the rest of his life. Despite the nightmares, heartbreak and pain, George is remembered for his kind-heartedness.

 

In the 1970s George roamed around the Oregon coast before finding his way to the high country of Colorado, settling in Victor- Cripple Creek where he did some artistic masonry. George is survived by his daughter Catalin Minkler, and her mother Jessee Minkler, as well as his siblings, Karen, Christine, and Blaine Sevy. There are also numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Leland, father George Warren and his mother Dorothy whom he adored. George remained close to his daughter, talking with her daily.

 

George had a natural instinct for befriending and charming people. His mother had taught him to be kind, accepting and compassionate. He was an iconic fixture around this hidden gem of a town, welcoming newcomers and connecting with those who felt a little lost. He became someone others shared their honest stories with. They were met with his open hearted space of authentic listening. There are many stories of his mischief which are unable to be printed. His 1945 GMC pickup truck was a source of both joy and pride to George. He loved giving it a rolling start down the hill with a double clutch and driving it in the Gold Rush parade and promoting the Labor Day art show, Victor Celebrates the Arts.

 

This year he watched the Gold Rush Days parade from above rather than his truck being an entry. His ashes will be buried with his parents at the VA Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ. There will be a headstone at the Victor Sunnyside Cemetery at Elks Rest. Donations to the Elks Lodge #367 in his name are requested in lieu of flowers.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Side Door of the Victor Hotel Saturday evening, August 19. On Sunday, August 20, a funeral service will be held at the Victor Elks #367, followed by a potluck at 3pm and music at 4 pm. Let’s give him the send-off he so deserves!