George York

George John York (born George John Yurkowitz) of East Lyme Connecticut, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family at his home on his beloved ‘Rocking M Ranch’ in Jensen, Utah on January 24, 2023.

George’s childhood home was where he first learned to farm, assisting his parents John and Hazel Dean York with their poultry and egg business, and later raising holstein and black angus cattle of his own. After completing high school at the Buckley School in New London, Connecticut, he attended trade school and became a journeyman electrician. He was a dedicated member of IBEW local 90.

George married Valerie Clarke Wies in New London on July 20, 1963. Together they built a beautiful home on Grassy Hill Road in East Lyme to raise their children Mike (Evanston, WY), Mindy (Lehi, UT) and Meri (Springville, UT).

Following his dream to live out west, George moved his family to Utah. After he retired from the Department of the Interior at Flaming Gorge Dam, he and Valerie again returned to farming, buying and building their ranch in Jensen. There he enjoyed each day, working in his wood and metal shops, driving his 4-wheeler and his Caterpillar tractor, and growing the most beautiful alfalfa hay in the land.

George was a loyal and loving husband and father, a steadfast provider, faithful friend and neighbor and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie (Carl Hendricks Wies and Alma Klink Clarke), son Michael John York, daughter Melinda Susan (Kevin) Keaton, daughter Meredith York (Jake) Miller, and grandchildren Reanna and John York, Danielle and Zakery Keaton, Tiffany Lyman Jenkins and Kristy Lyman Miller.

George joins his mother and father, infant sister Judy Ann, infant son Edward Leon and grandson Benjamin Lyman, as well as many loved aunts, uncles and friends in the Great Beyond.