George Stanley Varra

A loving soul, George Stanley Varra privately waged a valiant battle against cancer for the last three years. Sunday morning, July 12, 2015, he was welcomed home into the embrace of his heavenly Father. Born at Poudre Valley Hospital to George and Mary Varra on October 20, 1947, George was a native of Fort Collins. He was in the first graduating class of Poudre High School in 1965 and later graduated from CSU with a degree in general agriculture.

George married his college sweetheart, Liz Franco, in 1975. Their two children, Travis and Suzi, were special blessings in his life. He farmed north of Fort Collins on the family dairy until 1988 and went on to become the Poudre River Commissioner for the State of Colorado.
George was actively involved in his children's sports, coaching soccer for years. He was a compassionate competitor, praising good effort and motivating his young athletes. He also spent years as a basketball referee for the city.

George pursued his interests passionately—golf, playing guitar, learning French, travelling—and he wanted his kids, nieces, nephews, sisters and wife to share his enthusiasm and join him. His sense of humor was endearing along with his playful nature. Bridge was a favorite hobby and he became a Silver Life Master in May of this year. Wearing jeans and a plaid shirt, George was often seen in Old Town enjoying coffee with his newspaper and his friends.

George is survived by his wife, Liz; son, Travis; daughter, Suzi Ratliff (James); and grandson, Jonathan; his three sisters, Diane Engel (Loren), Carolyn Jackson, Mary Bonner (James); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. George's passing leaves a hole in our family we will never fill. His memory is forever etched in our hearts.

A celebration of George's life will be on Saturday, July 18 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor at noon, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel.