George R. Urquhart

George R. Urquhart, Smithville, MO, passed away February 14th, 2012 at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. He was 91. George was born in East Orange, NJ, August 4th, 1920 to George R. Urquhart, Sr. and Ruth Lyman Urquhart. He received his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1942, and his masters degree in aeronautical engineering in 1947 also from M.I.T. He was awarded the prestigious Rensselaer Medal in 1940 by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for his distinction in mathematics and science.

He was a Captain in the United States Army Air Force whose responsibility included service as an aircraft engineering officer and pilot. He then embarked on a career in aviation starting at Bell Aircraft and continuing with other aircraft corporations for 36 years. He culminated his career with Northrop Corporation in Pico Rivera, CA, leading the design team that produced the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

He enjoyed his retirement, relocating to the central coast of California. He was an outdoorsman and an avid golfer, and enjoyed tending to his beautiful flowers. He was a very active volunteer in the prisoner outreach program in the California prison system. He was a hospital volunteer, small business mentor, an Episcopal Church lay reader, an English as a Second Language tutor, and an accomplished woodworker.

He and his family were very proud to have his book “Reasons To Believe” published in 2010. The book was an expression of his belief that our universe was surely the work of a Creator. It is a clear and concise journey through the realms of rigorous scientific study and shows us the miracles and wonders of a creative God.

He was predeceased by his parents, and sister Barbara Cady and brother-in-law Sheldon of Short Hills, NJ.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Martha of the home. She was the true love of his life and their life together was a great romance. He is also survived by beloved family, including sons, Russell Urquhart and wife Christine of Oklahoma City, OK, and Rob Urquhart and wife Vickie of Escondido, CA. Daughter Martha Koslowsky and husband Charles of Smithville, MO, and foreign exchange daughter, Germaine Walker of London, England. He also leaves nieces Sara Myers and husband Kurt of Flagstaff, AZ and Barbara McDevitt and husband Tom of Melrose, MA. He was the proud grandfather of Anthony Urquhart of Greystanes, New South Wales, Charles H. Koslowsky, IV and wife Brannon of Kansas City, MO and Laura Koslowsky of Overland Park, KS. He also leaves a great nephew and niece, and extended family who all loved him dearly.

There are no words to describe what a loving, caring, and classy man George/Dad was. He taught us to appreciate all the joys of our precious lives and the great miracles that surround us. He was the epitome of the word “gentleman”. He will be greatly missed, but we know he will bloom in his heavenly home with the same love and appreciation that inspired him in this one.

A memorial service will be held at the Smithville United Methodist Church at 11:00am on Saturday, February 25th. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church. Arr.: Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville.