Obituary of George "The Bear" Edward Meier

George Edward Meier was born at St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado at 2:37am on November 25, 1943, to Joseph (Josef) Edward Meier and Verna Inez Tipton. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Colorado Springs from the 1st through 9th grades. Beginning in the tenth grade George transferred to Colorado Springs High School (later known as William J. Palmer High School). After 10th grade, George went to Kansas with his uncle and together they worked on the oil rigs. George was 15 years old at the time and the youngest worker allowed to work there. He returned to Colorado Springs and went back to school. After completing about half his junior year, George quit school and joined the Marines.George joined the Marines on his 17th birthday in 1960. He attended boot camp in San Diego, California and in February 1961 went Active Duty. While in the Marines, George earned his GED. He extended his tour by one year before receiving an Honorable Discharge on December 5, 1966.Although not overly large, George stood 5'11" tall and weighed around 170 pounds. His voice was deep and booming. While in Japan he was told by a native that he looked and sounded like a bear. From then on George was known as "Bear".George returned to Colorado Springs after his discharge from the Marines. In 1968 he began working for Yellow Freight in Colorado Springs. He remained with Yellow Freight for 23 years, 3 months, 16 days, leaving there in 1992.He enjoyed playing pool and bowling and was on several teams many seasons.George loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He had a 1986 ½ Heritage Classic that he called Maude in honor of his grandmother, Maude Tipton. He took every opportunity to jpoin in the larger bike rides to Sturgis, South Dakota (1986-1992) and several to Red River New Mexico during the early 1990's. He spent many weekends riding up to Cripple Creek, Colorado.He was twice married and had 1 daughter.He is survived by his sister, Mary Jo Gostnell, brother, Donald Meier, and several nieces and nephews.Memorial contributions in George's memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors. "In a Heartbeat"Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Friday, August 16, 2013 12:00AM Calhan Memorial Cemetery North side of US 24 @ Eurich Road (Hahn & 8th St) Calhan, CO 80808 Phone: 719-347-2586 Service Friday, August 16, 2013 11:00AM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855