George Wickman, born June 20, 1947, in the Bronx, New York City, passed away on January 14, 2026, in Susanville, California. George was a man who lived life on his own terms, with a stoic approach and a quiet appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
George grew up in Southern California, the eldest son of George and Helen Wickman, after moving west in 1953. He had one younger brother, Pete, and a baby sister, Karen. Growing up in a car culture, he built models, drew race cars and ratfinks, and drove a 55 Chevy. After studying drafting in college, George answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969 spending most of those years in Vietnam. Following his service, he eventually settled in Janesville and then Susanville, making the rural communities of Northern California his home forever. George worked a wide variety of jobs, working in title insurance with Cal-Sierra Title for most of his career, but he also spent time with helicopter seismic work in the Sierra and Rocky Mountains, and he owned a drafting/design business in Susanville.
George was a true outdoorsman. He loved to fish, and if you ever spent time with him near the water, you understood that fishing was more than a hobby for him. It was a way of being. He often said that going out on the lake in the morning was his way of going to church. He was also a talented photographer whose eye for the wild places around him reflected a deep and abiding appreciation for nature. George supported many wildlife organizations throughout his life, putting action behind his love for the natural world. He also remained connected to his fellow veterans through involvement with veterans’ groups.
Those who knew George understood that he was a no-nonsense kind of guy with a mind full of knowledge on just about any topic. He was an avid reader, an appreciator of many types of music and a devoted sports fan, unfailingly loyal to his San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Boston Celtics. And if you ever needed to know where he stood on the Dodgers, well, he would have been happy to tell you.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Wickman. He is survived by his sister, Karen Wickman Stern and brother-in-law Glenn; his brother, Pete Wickman and sister-in-law Meredith; and many family members and friends, including nephews and nieces, Peter Wickman, Libby Wickman, Heidi Oney, Rie Hirai Dion, godson Zach McKirahan, and dearest friends Dave McKirahan, and Paul and Christi Whitcome.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at noon at Eagle Lake, Gallatin Beach picnic area. Please bring a chair; lunch and beverages will be provided. Contact Paul Whitcome with questions at 530-250-5305.
George would say, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” He inherited that positive outlook about life’s changes from his mother, and it was a philosophy he carried with him all his life. Those who knew him are better for it.
