"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." Yogi Berra

George Meyer, a long-time resident and community leader from Lompoc, passed away on October14, 2015, at home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 82.

Born in Nortonville, North Dakota, on March 8, 1933, to John and Bernice Meyer, he spent many of his younger years on his family farm. By the time he was 11 years old, he moved to Lompoc where he later attended Lompoc High School with the Class of 1951. Prior to graduating from high school, he joined the Army National Guard and was called to fight in the Korean War. Upon returning, he was determined to finish high school with the Class of 1953. He spent one year at Allan Hancock College, but his heart was drawn back to North Dakota where he found work at the state hospital. He met the love of his life, Al-Rita LaVonne Heer, on his first day of work. George would say, "We fought like heck for the first two weeks, were engaged by six weeks, and married in six months."

In 1955 he and his wife returned to Lompoc to begin the next part of their life journey together. He worked at Johns-Manville until 1957 when he left to earn his Mechanical Engineering Degree from Heald's Business College in San Francisco. Upon graduating, he returned to Johns-Manville to the Design Office, later became the Foreman of the Carpenter Shop, and finally General Foreman of the E and R Department. He was respected by his fellow workers for his fairness to all before retiring from JM.

In 1962, George began his own new legacy of coaching youth sports. It began with his first baseball team, the Chevy 2's. He was involved in Babe Ruth Baseball for most of his life. For many years he coached the Chemical Kids and touched many people with his dedication to his players. George was instrumental in developing John Lizarraga Field and received much recognition for his many volunteer hours. He helped to start the Lompoc Teen Girls' Softball League and coached basketball, football, and softball. In 1984, because of his outstanding service to youth, the ballfield at Pioneer Park was dedicated as George Meyer Field.

Because of his love for his country, he was an active member of the American Legion and the American GI Forum. He especially enjoyed this in his later years. He attended the Catholic Church. In the past, he was associated with the Elks' Club, Moose Lodge, and PTA. He was a mentor for the Youth Founder Conference and was recognized from numerous school, church, and community activities.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Al-Rita, his three daughters: Mary Elaine (Steve) Mercill, Dane Yvonne Meyer, and Jerri Beth (Maurice) Fuller, and honorary daughter: Jesslyn (Dennis) Deleissegues. He adored his grandchildren and influenced them by his life example. They include: Christian (Erika), Seanne, and Melia Mercill, Monica (Torey) Dunn, Bucky Martinez, Taylor and Jade Fuller, as well as, his six great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his brother Gerald (Paula) Meyer with two nieces and his sister, Janice Elaine Woodall with two nephews.

A private burial service will be followed by a Celebration of Life BBQ to be held at the ICWU Local 146 Hall located at 514 South I Street at 1 pm Sunday, October 25, 2015. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Lompoc Babe Ruth League, P.O. Box 92, Lompoc, CA 93436 or Home on the Range (Home for Troubled Youth), 16351, I-94, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654-9500.