Sol “George” Sirkin
George Sirkin-dearly loved husband, father and grandfather passed on peacefully November 23 at Serenity House in Santa Barbara.
George was born Sol George Sirkin in New York City on July 21, 1929. His parents were Ray and Meyer Sirkin, who, with George and older brother, Leon lived together in the borough of Bronx NYC. George went through public schools, attending Stuyvesant High School for Boys. George excelled in math and science; however, he was focused on, and qualified for West Point. Before that could happen, however, life took an unexpected turn when his father died suddenly at the age of 36. It was suddenly up to George and Leon to help their family.
In 1947, George continued his education with night classes, working days full time. He eventually married and had three children, and, through his entrepreneurial spirit, successfully launched several businesses, including two car washes and a 24-hour restaurant.
By the late 1970’s, there were more changes in George’s life. He and his family moved to Visalia, CA, where he purchased Taylor Equipment Rental. In 1982, he met Janet Keith, the love of his life. Both were divorced parents, and so a new, merged family was created with George becoming a very special person in Jan’s and her two children’s lives.
In 1987, George opened The Party Works and, two years later, School Works, finally retiring in the year 2000 at 71. That didn’t slow him down, though. George and Jan moved to Santa Barbara, CA, where he volunteered to become a peer counselor for the next seven years, and became involved with the Ombudsman Program for a year. He was also a member of the free Methodist Church in Santa Barbara for 17 years.
During retirement, George and Jan also spent many happy hours travelling internationally together.
George is survived by his wife, Jan, and their children, Denis Sirkin, Cindy Richardo, Carrie Williams and Chris Keith as well as his niece Marlene Sirkin and seven grandchildren. He predeceased by son Dale Sirkin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Santa Barbara Hospice or to the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara.