George E. Kemper passed peacefully into the sunset on March 27, 2009. He was born on June 4, 1919 in a one room dirt floored homestead at the foot of “Sleeping Ute Mountain” in Cortez, Colorado. His mother suffered an unexpected death when George was only 7 years old. His Father, Ed ClockenKemper (then changed to “Kemper”) raised George and his sister Carmen until he left for college in 1937. During his graduate work at Georgetown University in Washington D.C., he met the love of his life, Ruby.

In 1940, he joined the Navy. He entered right into Naval Aviation and became a pilot. He flew fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes. George flew off the following Aircraft Carriers: The Cabot, The Enterprise, and The Hancock – with over 150 missions. He put a Torpedo into a Nagami Class Battle Cruiser. Along with many other medals, George received two Navy Crosses and the Silver Star for his heroic endeavors at battle. It would seem easy to feel empowered and prideful of these accomplishments, but George always spoke humbly of his days in the Navy.

In 1967, he requested his final tour of duty to be NORAD, here in Colorado Springs. George and Ruby opened Kemper Galleries in 1969 at 1620 North Academy Boulevard. In 1985, he designed and built to his specifications a new Kemper Art Galleries at 5420 North Academy Boulevard.

George was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law. George and his wife Ruby shared an amazing 65 year journey through life before Ruby passed away on June 12, 2007. We know that he is reunited with his love now.

Being a very intelligent man and he loved to spread his wealth of knowledge to his children, grandchildren and to anyone that would listen. He had a great gift of story telling, a wonderful sense of humor, zest for life, and was very generous. He loved to garden in his giant backyard and cook big meals for everyone. George always had a love for gathering and talking with people from everywhere throughout his lifetime. George left an impression on each and every person he met, and the world will never be the same without him. He leaves behind his two daughters, Jeanne and Janet, his two sons, John and George, and his grandchildren, Geoff, Genelle, Danny, Kevin, and James.

George, you will always be with us, and the precious memories we have shared will always be remembered. You will be in our hearts forever. We love you.