George Patrick Wicketts

George Wicketts, 76, passed away March 3, 2016. George was a much loved, looked up to and admired husband of almost 57 years; father of three sons, grandfather of five; great grandfather of six; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Gladys, Grants, NM. He is survived by wife, Bonnie; three sons, Keith (Sandy) of Gallup, Kurt (Cammie) of Albuquerque and Kris (Karin) of Tijeras; grandchildren, Shawn (Cristin) of Austin, TX; great grandchildren, Reis, Logan, twins, Jacob and Joshua; granddaughter, Sharla (Boomer) Anderson of Farmington, NM; great grandchildren, Brody and Rylie Rae; granddaughter, Kourtnie (Tim) Andazola of Albuquerque, NM; grandson, Kyle of Albuquerque, and granddaughter, Karissah of Tijeras; brothers, Len (Sally) Wicketts of Sun City, AZ, Jon (Dee) of Reserve, NM; and sister, Barbara Graeme of Grants, NM. George was born on February 28, 1940 in Marquette, Michigan where he went through school graduating from the John D. Pierce High School in 1958 with a football scholarship. He attended a semester at NMU. George married his high school sweetheart in June 1959 and moved to Albuquerque, NM right after. His career(s) were diversified, took him many places and traveled around the country and even internationally. George worked in sales through high school and sales in Albuquerque. He worked with KW and Ace Auto Stores, Whites Stores in Albuquerque and Denver before opening L & G Home Furnishings with his father, Leonard in Grants, NM. In 1968, the second L & G was opened in Gallup with brother, Len and in Winslow, AZ with the third store. Returning to Gallup, George operated Ace Hardware Store and mobile home sales. For many years selling Indian jewelry that took him around the country selling Indian jewelry in Sears stores nationwide. George moved back to Albuquerque in 1982 to take the position of director of all Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. From there he became a consultant for pueblo tribes in economic development that took him throughout the southwest and west coast. George spent his last 30 years with the Pueblo of Pojoaque under Governor Jacob Varriall, who become one of his closest friends. George was honorably discharged from the Michigan National guard. Friends may visit Friday, March 11, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m at FRENCH - Lomas. Funeral service will be Saturday, March 12, 2016, 10:30 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas Chapel with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery. George will be Honored and GOD will be glorified.