a secretary. Eventually, she quit ….

a secretary. Eventually, she quit working to take care of their first grandchild, Heather. George continued his work as a gardener to a loyal clientele in the San Gabriel Valley until retiring at the age of 85. Fumi and George lived with their daughter Hannah for several years before moving into Leisure World.

Recreationally, George’s life has been filled with fishing trips and bowling leagues. There’s been trips to the local swap meet, the Santa Anita Race Track to bet on the horses and Las Vegas with the family. Other highlights are the Christmas potluck and gift exchange with all the Mayedas (with so much food), Fourth of July fireworks in the street and kicking people’s butts at pool.

In 2018, Fumi passed away. George likes to keep fresh-cut flowers from their garden for her in one of the blue vases she collected.

“I think I was pretty lucky to marry her. She was a really smart woman,” he said.

On weekends, George visits with his daughters, wins rounds of pool at Jan and Tim Sadler’s place, or takes a short walk to visit his daughter Hannah, who now lives in Leisure World.

Most days, though, he can be found watching his favorite game shows and westerns, or rooting for the Dodgers. He also enjoys visits from Heather, Jorge and great-grandson Noah Valerio, who introduced him to watching NASCAR races. Their dog Sofie is always excited to see Papa, too.

He’ll often check on the upkeep of the plants in his garden while out for his daily walk and assist with grafting the plumeria plant to coax out different colored flowers.

His grandson, Kyle Sadler, has been his caregiver since the pandemic and continues to keep him happy with kimchi grilled cheese sandwiches or bowls of takeout pho.

“I’ve had a pretty good life so far,” said George, and we wish him many more years to come.