George Bogs

George John ("Bud") Bogs died Friday, December 2, 2011 in Birmingham, Alabama of heart failure after a long illness. He remained optimistic and courageous to the end and was a tremendous inspiration to his family and many friends. George was born in Wisconsin on April 6, 1926, the son of George Herman Bogs and Meta Nolte Bogs. He had two sisters, Shirley Bogs and Audrey Bogs Heckner, who preceded him in death. With his first wife, Marian Evjue Bogs (deceased), he had four daughters: Christine Mary Pantry (Mike), Sally Bogs Metzler (Mike), Susan Bogs Alcazar (John) and Cynthia Bogs Hawkins (deceased) (Tony). After his divorce from Marian, George met "the light of his life", Joyce Parker Bogs and remained married to her until her death in 2007. He happily accepted Joyce's children as his own: Art Parker (Chris) and Glenn/Al Parker (Judy). For the last several years, Glenn and Judy were George's primary caregivers and constant loving companions. George graduated from Northwestern University in 1946 and after completing military service as a Lieutenant J.G. in the United States Navy, joined United States Pipe and Foundry Company, where he remained until his retirement in 2003. George spent many of his years with U.S. Pipe in sales, rising to Pacific Coast Sales Manager, and in 1968 moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to his final city of residence, Birmingham. At U.S. Pipe's corporate headquarters, his position as National Sales Promotion Manager afforded him the opportunity to travel to conventions and promotional events, often accompanied by Joyce. George "never met a stranger", and during his years at U.S. Pipe he made and maintained hundreds of friendships with colleagues across the U.S. He particularly treasured his long-time Hawaiian friends and he and Joyce made many trips, for both business and pleasure, to the Islands. Even though George enjoyed his work at U.S. Pipe, he embraced his retirement with his usual positive attitude and focused on his memberships in local social and service organizations, including the Birmingham Lions Club and the Alabama Historical Society. George and Joyce had chosen to spend their retirement years at Fair Haven in Birmingham, where he was the Chairperson of the Women's Auxiliary for several terms. George and Joyce had joined the Fair Haven community in 1993 and dearly loved and appreciated their friends and neighbors. Along with his children, George leaves beloved grandchildren Catie Parker, Sean Alcazar (Beth), Corinne Alcazar VerMeer (Anthony), Amy Metzler, Toni Marie Hawkins and Stacey Gay (Joni) , as well as great-grandchildren Garrison and Colton Gay, Iain Alcazar and Jayden Habeishi. Anyone who ever met George will remember his incredible sense of humor and ability to make everyone immediately feel at ease. He was a long-time member of Toastmasters International in southern California and used his speaking abilities to be an in-demand master of ceremonies at innumerable functions. Apparently, there wasn't a joke in the world George didn't know, and he had a unique ability to utilize international accents to further enhance his speaking. It is impossible to list all of George's friends and acquaintances, but evidenced by the volume of Christmas cards he mailed each year and the number of get-well cards he received during his illness, we know there are many. They are all remembered and sincerely appreciated. George was a deeply religious man and considered his membership in the Irondale United Methodist Church to be an extremely important part of his life. When Joyce died, George joined Alabama Grief Support and was guided through his time of sorrow by Dr. Gertrude Tharpe, whose knowledge and friendship inspired him to form a support group for his church family. Rev. Ed Sims will officiate at the memorial service.

Visitation for George will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, December 7, 2011 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home in Trussville. Chapel Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 8, 2011 at the funeral home with private Graveside Services. Memorial donations may be sent to the Fair Haven Fountain of Love, 1520 Cooper Hill Rd., Birmingham, AL 35210. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing. Mahalo, Keoki. We love you.