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George Lubas was born in Oakland, California, on September 18, 1956, and grew up nearby in Berkeley. He passed away on January 11, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a warm kinetic energy that filled every room he entered. In 1980, at the age of 24, George met the love of his life, Cindy. Cindy was friends with George’s cousin at the time, who happened to be living with George’s family. One day, Cindy stopped by the house – and there was George, sweeping up broken glass from the floor. He had broken a glass and was cleaning up the mess he’d made. Three years after cleaning up that glass, George married Cindy on May 7, 1983, and spent the rest of his life devoted both to her happiness and to juggling glass at every family holiday gathering – Often to Cindy’s affectionate chagrin. George retired in 2018 after a long career as a Journeyman Baker with Safeway, a job that suited his generous spirit and his talent in the kitchen. He was, by all accounts, also a master chef at home – anyone lucky enough to eat George’s food knew they were in for something special. George was a regular fixture at the grill, regardless of whose backyard played host. 6 years into their marriage, George and Cindy had their one and only son, Joseph. As a father, George created memories that lasted a lifetime. After Joe was born, George would always sing “Sittin’ in La La, waitin’ for my ya ya,” to him. A tune that will forever echo, in his voice, in the hearts of those who heard it. As Joe got older, George made a point of spending special time with him. He created a “Men’s Night Out” tradition for he and Joe. These were filled with dinners, movies, wrestling matches, and more. Moments that reflected how important and special Joe was to George. When Joe left for college, George and Cindy found themselves missing him deeply. In true George fashion, he came up with a plan to lift their spirits: they would watch every episode of I Love Lucy. They became experts, laughing their way through the episodes together. George always tried to find the good, the fun, and the optimism in any situation. George didn’t just look for the light at the end of the tunnel. George was the light, in the tunnel, when the end was not yet in sight. To Cindy’s family, and to everyone fortunate enough to know him, George embodied devotion. He lived his life doing what brought happiness to the people he loved. He carried himself with an effortless kindness toward everyone. This wasn’t something he had to work at. It bubbled up from within him. It’s just who he was. George would often say “as you wish” when asked to do anything. Like the farm boy, Wesley, in The Princess Bride, who he echoed in those moments, what George meant was, “I love you.” George was a professional bringer of joy to all his nephews. He was the Mount Everest of beloved uncles. On family trips to Disneyland, he was everyone’s ride-buddy of choice. The kids would argue over who got to sit with him. Somehow, Uncle George made the happiest place on earth feel even happier. You didn’t have to be in Disneyland for George to make you feel like the most important kid in the world though. Even the smallest moments at home left lasting impressions. George could and would eat anything in one bite – an entire Taco Bell Taco, a whole banana – because doing so made kids laugh and cheer him on. He tore dollar bills in half, giving each child a piece while keeping the matching halves for himself – A small, symbolic gesture that perfectly captured how he valued connection. And he founded the “High-Five Club,” whose membership was exclusive to his nephews, lifelong, and whose bonds remain unbroken. George played board games with his nephews, like Guess Who, remaining fully present and patient. He would take them into the backyard to play with the family dog, Dixie, carefully letting small hands give her treats. Those moments – simple, gentle, and unhurried – made children feel safe and deeply loved. To some, George was more than just an uncle. He was a grandfather figure in spirit: steady, kind, and always there. George brought volume into every space he occupied. He sang “Happy Birthday” like no one else. Because regardless of how loud anyone else sang it, George would go a notch louder. He also showed up when it mattered most, staying through long hospital nights, catching loved ones before they fell, and standing quietly beside those who needed him. George fought cancer and Parkinson’s long after the fight was, for the most part, over. He didn’t fight for himself. George fought because his love for Cindy, Joe and the rest of his family was so deep that he would do anything to protect them from any sort of sorrow or pain. He held his light in the tunnel till the end. George is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy Lubas; his son, Joseph Lubas; and his brother, John Lubas. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Lubas; his mother, Wilda Lubas; and his brothers David, Ricky, and Eddie Lubas. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” George exemplified this. He wanted nothing more than to love and be loved. He brought warmth, humor, and light everywhere he went. His legacy lives on in shared laughter, inside jokes, well-cooked meals, quiet backyard moments, and the way he made everyone – young and old – feel safe, seen, and deeply cared for. He will be missed beyond words and remembered with big smiles, big hugs, and high-fives, always. In lieu of flowers please donate to, 2nd Mile Ministries or Cross Cultural Missions at University Baptist Church, 333 W Maple Street Fayetteville, AR 72701; ubcfayetteville.churchcenter.com/giving, or to Mosaic Church, 20412 N 41st Street, Glendale, AZ 85308, mosaicchurchaz.org Cremation was entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory, Huntsville.

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George Phillip Lubas

September 18, 1956 - January 11, 2026