On the morning of July 20, the ranks of the shooter folk was depleted by one fine man. http://www.pharostribune.com/obituaries/x1927879820/George-L-Voltz .
I knew George Voltz for about three decades, teaching with him annually most years. He had served his country in Korea and Vietnam. He had raised a fine family, though I only got to know two of his sons, Wade and George, Jr. For many years, George owned a gun shop in Logansport, Indiana. I bought my younger daughter’s first firearm, a Smith & Wesson .22 Airweight Kit Gun, from him there.
George devoted his last several decades to sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of firearms and his passion for their safe and competent use. His wisdom can be found on many spots on the Internet gun forums such as stoppingpower.net, where he normally posted under his initials, GLV.
In person, George was patient, kind, friendly, and unflappable. He had a dry sense of humor, an uncommonly large supply of common sense, and was one hell of a shot.
I had the good fortune to spend some time with him while teaching in Indiana this past June. Though wracked by cancer and the side effects of radiation therapy, this octogenarian still stood tall, his signature .45 at his hip. He had, at 83, recently competed in a three-gun match…not as fast as in days of old, but showing the determination that characterized his entire life.
George passed at his son’s residence, with hospice care, and only after his death did I learn that George himself had been a volunteer hospice worker. It was characteristic of the caring and compassion that the man exuded. A born instructor to the end, he taught us all how to die with dignity.
In this case, it’s not a cliché to say…We Are Diminished.
Mas – Very sad news. Thanks to you, I was able to meet and work with George several times. A great guy, very knowledgeable…. a fellow big bore geezer.
Dave LaRue
Mas – Very sad news. Thanks to you, I was able to meet and work with George several times. A great guy, very knowledgeable…. a fellow big bore geezer.
Dave LaRue
I’m very sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was good people.
I’m very sorry to hear of George’s passing. He was good people.
Beautiful eulogy, Mas. Sounds like your friend, George, had it in his mind to die young as late as possible. Can’t beat that. God speed, to a Man whose life was purposeful and well-lived.
/ VO
My sincere condolences Mas for the loss of your dear friend George. Sounds like he was a great man, a good friend and a true gun ethuisest. God blessed him with a full life which he lived it doing things he enjoyed. My prayers go out to his family that God grant them strength in their time of need.
My sincere condolences Mas for the loss of your dear friend George. Sounds like he was a great man, a good friend and a true gun ethuisest. God blessed him with a full life which he lived it doing things he enjoyed. My prayers go out to his family that God grant them strength in their time of need.
I looked at George’s picture and it struck me, “…that’s going to be me”, with the gun on my hip, way older than folks think a guy should be to have a gun on their hip. At 52, I still have a way to go before that day, but it’s comforting to know I’ll be in good company.
I can’t fathom how many people you must know, Mas, but it never ceases to amaze how you seem to be able to recall them at will out of your collection of people you’ve worked with over the years. I’m proud to be among the folks who’ve had the pleasure of your time and talents. I’m sure George was too. it’s great work you’re doing. You’re a national treasure and that should be recognized. Best regards!
I looked at George’s picture and it struck me, “…that’s going to be me”, with the gun on my hip, way older than folks think a guy should be to have a gun on their hip. At 52, I still have a way to go before that day, but it’s comforting to know I’ll be in good company.
I can’t fathom how many people you must know, Mas, but it never ceases to amaze how you seem to be able to recall them at will out of your collection of people you’ve worked with over the years. I’m proud to be among the folks who’ve had the pleasure of your time and talents. I’m sure George was too. it’s great work you’re doing. You’re a national treasure and that should be recognized. Best regards!
Mr. Voltz is an inspiration to be the man I want to become.
Mas, sorry to hear of your loss. As I never met the man I can only go by your description. He sounds like someone I would have liked. It seems that a lot of these pioneers are going to that great range where the smell of burned powder never dissipates.
This points up the importance to get the younger generations involved in the shooting sports.
Mas, sorry to hear of your loss. As I never met the man I can only go by your description. He sounds like someone I would have liked. It seems that a lot of these pioneers are going to that great range where the smell of burned powder never dissipates.
This points up the importance to get the younger generations involved in the shooting sports.
I knew George from his gun store, Logansport Shooters Supply, and purchased 5 handguns from him. He was a Good Guy, a shooter and knowledgeable about firearms. He will be missed. My Thoughts and Prayers are with his family and friends.
I knew George from his gun store, Logansport Shooters Supply, and purchased 5 handguns from him. He was a Good Guy, a shooter and knowledgeable about firearms. He will be missed. My Thoughts and Prayers are with his family and friends.
What a thoughtful and uplifting eulogy. My dad spoke of you often, Massad. Your book, “In The Gravest Extreme” was required reading and I am proud to have a signed copy on my bookshelf. Dad was passionate about learning and I know he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you and learning something new each time. Thank you for being such a good friend to him.
What a thoughtful and uplifting eulogy. My dad spoke of you often, Massad. Your book, “In The Gravest Extreme” was required reading and I am proud to have a signed copy on my bookshelf. Dad was passionate about learning and I know he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you and learning something new each time. Thank you for being such a good friend to him.
Thank you for the kind words Mas…Dad was a very fine man, husband, and father. We know that he his once again with my mother and the family they forged together will stay strong. I know he relished seeing you one last time this year and your warm greeting there meant very much to him. They seldom make men like him anymore.
Thank you for the kind words Mas…Dad was a very fine man, husband, and father. We know that he his once again with my mother and the family they forged together will stay strong. I know he relished seeing you one last time this year and your warm greeting there meant very much to him. They seldom make men like him anymore.
Mas, you were the subject of discussion at the dinner table with George and Wade most evenings, especially after their most recent visit with you. I think that day was one of the greatest events of his last year with us. You are a true friend to have written such a wonderful article about him. Thank you!
Mas, you were the subject of discussion at the dinner table with George and Wade most evenings, especially after their most recent visit with you. I think that day was one of the greatest events of his last year with us. You are a true friend to have written such a wonderful article about him. Thank you!
George was my grandfather, and he always spoke very highly of you, Massad. He’s gifted me at least two copies of ‘In the Gravest Extreme’ and I’m glad he had a friend in you. Thank you for your kind words.
George was my grandfather, and he always spoke very highly of you, Massad. He’s gifted me at least two copies of ‘In the Gravest Extreme’ and I’m glad he had a friend in you. Thank you for your kind words.
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