I was very sad to learn of George's passing. As an undergraduate in the early 1960s, I well remember him as the pastor at the Wesley Foundation. He ran an excellent program there and I understand that he did equally wonderful work in the hospital in later years. He related well to students and had time for everyone who passed through the doors of the Foundation. I am certain he has had as much of an impact upon those he worked with in later years as he did on university students now nearly fifty years ago.

I was part of a Clinical Pastoral Education class in 2001-2002 that met at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids, under the guidance of George. I remember the kindness and genuine interest shown to all of us. He was a wonderful instructor, leading by example, not just his "book knowledge". I work as a Bereavement Counselor for a Hospice program now and there are any number of times I call upon skills I learned under George's guidance. Ida Belle, I remember meeting you several times and I know how much you and his family meant to him. You have my sincere condolences in the loss of such a special person, who touched many lives and left them better.

Meeting George fifty years ago at Wesley House, feeling a warm and genuine interest in me as a young and questioning student, and having many thoughtful, reflective conversations at coffee hours.

I started playing jazz with George in 1968. In the early 80's my mother had a brain tumor removed at University Hospitals. I visited her daily during her recovery, and one day she told me the chaplain had come by. She said that the chaplain said he knew her son (me). She told me what I wonderful visit she had with George and then said, "I am so proud of you". I was trying to figure out what brought that on, and it became clear that just having a man like George for a friend raised me a notch in my mother's eyes. As I thought about that memory, I decided that's probably true for most people that knew George: knowing him raised them a notch. Period.

We were sorry to learn of Rev Paterson's death. He married us 50

years ago Aug. 11 at Danforth Chapel in Iowa City. We were both

students at SUI and attended First Meth. He gave us wise counsel

and a lovely ceremony. Our prayers and sympathy to his wife

and family. John and Myra Greve

Aunt Idabelle and family,I am heartbroken at hearing of Uncle George's passing and I am sorry I was not able to make services today. I have wonderful memories of him...the weddings of my older cousins that he married and then our visit to your home. Uncle George took us to his office and gave us a tour. When we returned home he played his guitar...memories that made me warm at the time and I cherish now. I love you all and know that I am with you in thought and prayer....Love always, Susan Casey

I'm very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.

So sorry to hear of George's passing. Mary will be touching base. We are thinking of you.

Dear Ida Belle,

Heartfelt prayers for you and your family for the loss of George. I know my mom and dad (Dick and Joy Watkins) would want to be there for you at this time, as you and George were for them. Please accept our condolences in their place. As you may remember, George had a profound impact on my life during a difficult time and I'm eternally grateful for that. With love, Kate "Watkins" Anderson

Dear Ida Belle and family, my heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. George was a special man! He and my dad (Jerry) were long time buddies. When he came to see my dad at the end, it meant so much to all of us! We hold you up in prayer! I know it's been a long hard road. George is in a much better place now, and it's a place for which he was well prepared! May God wrap His loving arms around you and hold you in the days and weeks to come.

Dear Ida Belle, I am the daughter of Dick and Joy Watkins. I was so sad to see that your beloved George had passed. As you know, he preached at my mom's funeral and did a wonderful job. He was one of Dad's dearest friends and both Mom and Dad treasured the friendship they had with you and George. I am unable to attend the funeral, but you will be in my thoughts and prayers. George was a wonderful man and my heart goes out to you in your grief. Most sincerely, Sue Watkins Dirks

Ida Belle - Mary Sue and I are so blessed to have shared times with you and George at Regional and State gatherings. George was a fine model of a pastor,

chaplain, and teacher. But more important, he was a kind and gentle friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. -Jack and Mary Sue

Mary Ida and family, my prayers and sympathy is great. George was such a great person, as you all know. Always enjoyed any class he taught. His Jazz services at First United were all great and enjoyed by many. He will be greatly missed. May God Bless and lead you in your grieving.

Dear Ida Belle and Family -

Extending deeo and heartfelt sympathy to each of you. George was a wonderful person and friend. So sorry. May the peace of our Lord be with each of you .With loving thoughts and prayers, Norma and Family

Dear Ida Belle and family,

My sympathies to you for the loss of George. Playing music for the enjoyment of others is a wonderful gift.

Sincerely, Marva Abel

It is very difficult to imagine a world without George. To describe his incredible kindness, humanity, calmness would require hyperbole that would still not do justice to this man. He was a brilliant musician. Maybe it was the combination of his musicality and spirituality that resulted in a lyrical soul, the like of which i have never met and doubt i will meet again. He will be missed by all who ever came in contact with him. My most sincere condolences to his family.

Fred Dietz

Very sorry to hear about George. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sorry to see of Geo's passing. We were at Simpson together, had a little band there, fraternity brothers and friends. Geo was so talented in so many mediums and such a leader. Only saw him a few times after graduation, but kept up with him through his accomplishiments. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Bill

Dear Lisa and Family,

Dear Ida Belle and family, I met George when I joined the Religious Studies faculty at the University of Iowa in 1990. George was so warm to me, so kind. He was a down-to-earth man and also man of great spiritual depth. What a wonderful combination. George was full of the joy of music. He always had a smile for me when we crossed paths. He was a fine professor and mentor to this students. I'm thankful for these memories. Blessings to all of you. Diana Cates

My prayers are with all of his family. It was a great pleasure to work with George while working at genesis medical center. As we supervised together I learned a tremendous amount about supervising. His work helped me to become fully certified. He will be missed. Michelle

I was privileged to know George during his tenure in Pastoral Services at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was a bright light to all he ministered, and highly admired by all staff. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

George was a spiritual adviser and guide, as well as a classroom professor. He was kind, patient, attentive and wise. He gave wonderful counsel and advice. He wore many 'hats' to me. As a fellow trombonist, it was a joy to listen to him play.

As a recipient of his wise guidance, he helped bring healing to my soul and psyche. May the soul of this gentle man rest in peace. Amen.

I was privileged to know George when I was a CPE resident at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was a good mentor through the years, particularly as I trained to be a CPE supervisor. I'm glad I got to spend some time with him last year when I came to Iowa City. He has enriched my life! Prayers for Ida Belle and the family!

Ida Belle You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time of your lives. How wonderful, to have 64 years of blessings to carry you through! Yet those blessings received through George, make it all the more difficult to say good-bye. George was so helpful when I was going into ordained ministry, and of course I remember him as I grew up in First Church. You and George and your family were always special to Mom (Remona Roth). She would often speak of the two of you, and Rich, because he was a friend of Greg's, and also worked with her on City Directory. George was a very special person, with many gifts, which he freely shared. Only God knows how many lives were touched through his chaplaincy and his music; his gentle passion for the Lord and for others. He will be greatly missed; because he greatly loved. May you know that you are lifted up to our Lord by many in this time of your need; and that those arms of Eternal Love are embracing you now, and always. In Christ's love, Ken and Lorraine (Roth) Hartman