George Merrick Breytspraak

June 10, 1931 - June 24, 2015

George Merrick Breytspraak, passed away peacefully, at Serenity House on June 24th after a bravely fought struggle of many years, with wife, Jessie and little dog, Joey at his side. He was 84 years old. George was born on June, 10, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Grace Merrick Breytspraak. He joined older brother, John, Jr. He grew up in Evanston, Illinois. George graduated from Todd Boys School, Woodstock, Illinois in 1949 and went on to Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois earning a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity often directing the fraternity chorus. He loved music and was an accomplished choral tenor. In the late 50’s, he moved to the Seattle area where he worked as a buyer and department manager for men’s wear at Frederick and Nelson, a division of Marshall Fields, Chicago. In the late 60’s, he and his family moved to Santa Barbara. He worked as a field representative for the Elias Sayour Co. of New York, a woman’s lounge wear firm. He and Jessie owned and operated Glamour House, Montecito Village, for 26 years. In Santa Barbara he was very active with the YMCA acting as a camp counselor and van driver. He and Jessie Boyd Culver, a friend from childhood, were married in 1975 at St. Michaels Episcopal Church and they later transferred to Trinity Episcopal Church where they both sang in the choir for over 25 years. George was on the finance committee there for many, many years and was a great asset. He loved the outdoors going back packing, canoeing, fishing, and river rafting, especially when it involved his children. He was an accomplished pianist playing his Chickering baby grand, a present from his mother for his 10th birthday. George was a friend to many, was so positive and loving and he will be missed by many. He leaves his wife, Jessie, of 40 years, brother John (Charlotte ), sons George, Jr., John, and William (Misue), daughters, Ann Breytspraak, Mary Valerio ( Jim). Granddaughters, Mary Ann and Juno Valerio. Step children Jeffry Culver (Linda) and Susan Culver. Grandchildren Lesley-Anne Arthurs, (Josh), Major Michael Fish (Kelly), Matthew Fish, Katie Perry (Mike). Great grandchildren, Mason and Anna Perry, Adalyn and Colton Arthurs. Niece, Sarah Chester (Jeff). A service to celebrate George’s life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. at 3 PM, Sunday, July 19th. A BIG THANKYOU to all the hospice caregivers. In lieu of flowers, please remember Hospice of Santa Barbara, Hospice and Visiting Nurses, Trinity Episcopal Church, or the Santa Barbara YMCA. Arrangements by Welch Ryce Haider.