George W. Case

George W. Case, age 93, a native of New Mexico, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 after a short illness. George was born to William Albert and Josephine Crocker Case on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1922, or as George would say “2-2-22”, in Las Vegas, New Mexico. His family moved to Albuquerque when he was 6 months old, and he remained a resident of Albuquerque the rest of his life. George was a 1941 graduate of Albuquerque High School where he played football on the AHS team. He remained an active AHS “Bulldog” alumnus throughout his life, often helping plan and host class reunions. He attended the University of New Mexico studying engineering, and was a star rifleman on the UNM Naval ROTC. George was part of America’s “Greatest Generation,” having lived through the “Great Depression,” World War II and the Korean War. In 1943, George left UNM to defend his country in World War II. George joined the Navy in 1943 where he served until 1946 and was honorably discharged by the country he loved so much. In the Navy during WW II, George was a Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class and served in the South Pacific, operating an LCM. George’s service to his country during time of war was a source of great pride for him to the point where, in his later years, he wore a World War II Veterans Cap. Once discharged, he returned to Albuquerque where he lived the rest of his life. In August 1946, the 6’ George Case met the love of his life, the 4’11” Laural Jane del Castillo. It was love at first sight and he knew she would be his wife the second he met her. After dating for only 5 months, George and Laural eloped to Bernalillo, New Mexico where they were married on February 8, 1947. ( A family rumor is that Laural’s dad, Pop, took to his bed for a week when he found out that his daughter had eloped.) George and Laural were happily married for 51 years, living in Albuquerque, making a living, and raising a family of four girls. George was an Albuquerque businesman for most of his life while Laural was a nurse and was known as “Casey RN” at Memorial Hospital. In 1996, Laural became seriously ill and George became her primary care giver. George lost the love of his life when his beloved Laural passed away in 1998, in his arms, at the age of 72. After Laural died, George allowed himself to experience many things that he had never considered doing such as going to the Albuquerque Little Theater, the “tu-tu palace” as he would call it, art gallery openings,and even the ballet. He did this because he had a sheer love of life and of people. After grieving for some time from the loss of Laural, he was ready to be out amongst the living. At a high school reunion committee meeting, George reacquainted with Maxine Oglesby, a friend he had known since 5th grade. George and Maxine quickly became companions and shared their remarkable love of life for 15 years. In the 1950s, George and his mother “Gammy”owned and operated Arthur's Fine Liquors in the Nob Hill area. They sold the store in 1956 and George went into the car wash business. He managed the Lomas Car Wash and the American Car Wash before leaving and opening his own. He and his cousin, Tom Bruskas, built the Old Town Car Wash located at Central and Rio Grande in 1965 and operated it until 1980. He then built the “Yale Ave Self-Service Car Wash” which is still in operation to this day. A father of four daughters, George was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, and knew every inch of New Mexico. He loved to teach family and friends how to hunt. He loved hobbies and raised many types of birds from the time he was a little boy, even up until the time his death. Once he retired, he began competing in bird shows and won many awards for his English Budgies. He also loved traveling and new adventures. George and Laural traveled around the country, but his favorite destination was California to try out for the Price is Right. He was on the show in 1995. George loved to play cards and visit the casino. A favorite destination was the Santa Ana Star Casino. George had many friends there and was a weekly regular up until April of this year. In George's words, "I've had a good life." George is survived by his four daughters and their husbands, Candy and Leo Rechner, Nancy and Ed Wolff, Betty and Pete Dinelli, and Laurel and David Smith; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Rachael Jeangerard, Sarah Cadieux and Norval Henry, Brooke Rechner, James Smith, Mark and Chelsy Dinelli, Kevin and Krista Smith, and George Dinelli; and three great-grandchildren, Alexis Gonzales, Sanai Cadieux, and Gabriel Curtis. His first great-great-grandson is expected in August. He is also survived by his wonderful companion and "girlfriend" of the last 15 years, Maxine Oglesby, and his close friend Diane Smith. George is also survived by his two chosen sons, Greg Goodwin and Robert Rehm and 5th daughter Margo Halsey. He leaves behind many, many friends and extended family who will miss him dearly. He will be especially missed by his faithful little dog, Cindy. George was preceded in death by his wife, Laural, and his beloved grandson, Ryan Rechner. Friends may visit FRENCH – Lomas, Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at FRENCH – Lomas, Wednesday, June 10, 2015, 10:00 a.m., officiated by George’s nephew, Greg Goodwin. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be George’s grandsons, James Smith, Mark Dinelli, Kevin Smith, and George Dinelli. Should friends desire, memorials contributions in George’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.