George Caliva

June 4, 1931 - April 10, 2014

The son of Mike Peter Caliva and Mabel Marie Nye, George Caliva was born at the Queens of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles, California on June 04, 1931. After spending the majority of his life in southern California, George moved to Orem, Utah where he lived for 11 years. He passed away in Orem on April 10, 2014.   The son of an Italian family, George remembered pizza before it was popular, growing up during World War II, gasoline rations and food stamps, raising rabbits, hitchhiking to the beach to meet his friends in high school, and buying his first car, a Model A for $75.   George attended John Muir Junior High and graduated from Fremont High School in Los Angeles, California in 1951.   A proud Marine, George began serving his country in 1949, completed a tour of duty in Korea and achieved the rank of Sergeant before being discharged in 1953.   George married Lorraine Willemssen in 1957. They made their home in LaMirada, California. They later divorced. They are the parents of 4 daughters.   George enjoyed working on his home—he bought a brand new house and put countless hours into landscaping, remodeling and his veggie garden for the 45 years he lived there. George was always known for his infinite determination and an eye for being social. He pursued an active lifestyle and always encouraged his grandchildren to stay fit. Among his many interests, George loved bowling, skiing, fishing, camping and spending time with his grandchildren. An avid photographer, he enjoyed using his hobby to share memories, travel and life experiences with others. George was fortunate to have experienced many cultures in his life, travelling to countries including Switzerland, Argentina, China and England.   While living in La Mirada, George and his family were introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by a few neighbors and friends; he and his family were baptized in 1969.   In 1991, George joined the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada so he could spend his time in service of others. He especially enjoyed lending a hand at the 4th of July pancake breakfast.     George earned his living and provided for his family as a journeyman electrician for several years before founding and operating George Caliva Electric in La Mirada, California. George was also a lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. After running his business for over 20 years, George chose to retire and eventually found his way to Utah.   When George moved to Orem in 2003, he eagerly made new friends in his neighborhood, and at the Orem Senior Citizen Center where he would frequently go for lunch and even found a few guys to go fishing with. George found a home in the community, and was honored to ride on the American Legion float at the Freedom Festival in Provo a few times. Continuing his love of service, George spent time as a volunteer at Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem. George was also involved in the Marine Corps League.   George was preceded in death by his parents and one half-brother, Frank Radcliff. George is survived by his two sisters, Marie Byers (Jim) of Culver City, CA and Virginia Riley of San Juan Capistrano, CA; four daughters, Karen Jeffreys (Michael) of Orem, Donna Anderson (Clay) of Trabuco Canyon, CA, Debra Beebe, Santa Clarita, CA, and Carol Harrison (Roger) of Orem; 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.   The family is grateful for everyone who befriended, cared for and supported George. His daughters would like to personally thank Art, Leroy and Rod. You are the brothers that George never had.   Services for George Caliva will be held 1:00 pm, Friday, April 18, 2014 at the Suncrest Stake Center, 90 North 600 West, Orem. A viewing will be held prior to services from 11:45 am-12:45pm. Interment will be at Utah Veterans Memorial Park at Camp Williams.