George Alar

George Alar, 93, a resident of Indianapolis for over 60years, passed away Friday, March 18,2016, at his home followingcomplications from multiple myeloma. He was preceded in death by Bernice E.Alar, his beloved wife of 58 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Dawn Britt of Salt LakeCity, Utah and Georgeann Ellis (Jim) of Mobile, Alabama; son, Tom Alar (Nancy)of Madison, Wisconsin; brother John Alar of Stuart, Florida; sisters HelenGuerin of Mill Valley, California and Ann Distler of West Nyack, New York; fourgrandchildren, Duncan Britt (Amy), David Britt, Elizabeth Alar, and Matt Ward;one great grandchild, Zackary Britt; and many other relatives and closefriends.

George was born in the iron-mining town of Virginia,Minnesota, one of ten children of Rose and George Alar who were immigrants fromCroatia. As a teenager during the Depression he was a member of the PillsburyClub, a neighborhood youth organization. To raise funds they organized the"Jingling Bros Circus" where George performed with a large snake as“Zah, the White Monster Boy”. The circus traveled to area communities, oftenperforming to packed crowds. Georgeattended Virginia High School where he excelled in track and field.

George, a veteran of the US Navy, served two tours of duty inthe Pacific during WW II. His first tour was as a sonar man on the USS YMS-242,a minesweeper patrolling in the Marshall and Solomon islands. His second tourof duty was on the USS Harkness performing navigational chart survey workaround Okinawa.

After military service George worked in sales for “Look”magazine in Cleveland, Ohio and in Carmel, Indiana. Later he moved toIndianapolis working in the circulation department of the “Indianapolis Starand News” retiring in 1985 after 33 years of service.

George was an avid golfer and tennis player even into hislater years. He was a member of the Indianapolis Racquet Club and afterretiring worked there part time in customer service and as a substitute player.He volunteered at the RCA tennis tournaments where the highlight for him wasmeeting the pros.

The family members extend their appreciation to longtimeneighbors Jill & Gene Hanson and Mary Lou Mason as well as the St VincentHospice for their support. George will be missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm, Tuesday, March 22at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple at 1305 Broad Ripple Ave., Indpls. Aprayer service and burial will take place at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel) 9700Allisonville Rd, Indpls, at 11:00am Wednesday, March 23. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be madeto the St Vincent Hospice or a charity of choice.