George Daniel Woods passed away on June 3, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by family at his home in Grass Valley. Born in San Francisco on January 23, 1940,

George enriched the lives of those around him with his adventurous spirit, passion, and sense of humor.

George is survived by his wife, Sandy; children, Peggy, Jenine (Gary Wilson), and George II (Jenn); and his grandchildren, Alice, David, Robert, Alex, Rick, George III, Erika, and Lisa; as well as his great-grandchildren, Aliesha and Jason.

George grew up in Millbrae, California, and attended Capuchino High School. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for fourteen years. Following in his father’s footsteps, George joined the Ironworkers’ Union and erected metal buildings for Soule Steel for twenty-seven years before founding his own metal building company. His work allowed him to travel extensively to the Middle East, Asia, Central America, Europe, and the Arctic.

George was highly competitive, winning many trophies in track and field, motocross, speedway, and enduro racing.
George was also enthralled with aviation and flew glider planes, hang gliders, and single-engine planes. After crashing in a small plane, he purchased a Cessna, believing that you only crash once. His fascination with flying sparked an interest in studying raptors, which led him to rehabilitate injured bald eagles.

George’s interests ranged from his passion for the outdoors to his enthusiasm for fine dining. Not only was he proficient in tracking, food foraging, and hunting, but he was also an accomplished chef, a Master Food Preserver, and an instructor renowned for his delicious blue-ribbon pickles.

George gave to the community as a member of the Foothill Lions Club and as a perennial volunteer at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, which inducted him and his wife into their Hall of Fame in 2016.

George often reflected on his luck in living in this wonderful community and enjoying the beauty and serenity of his home, as well as his gratitude to the hospice and caregivers for their kind and gentle care and loving hands until the end. At George’s request, the family plans to go on a memorial adventure together to celebrate his life.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation or Hospice of the Foothills/Foothills Compassionate Care.

George’s good dog, Ruby, misses him!