" I knew George when I interned at KVON/KVYN. George was a giant of a man, in stature and in spirit. He always had something pleasant to say, and was always encouraging. I remember waking every morning as a kid to hear George let us know what was on the school lunch menu that day. He was a staple in Napa culture for as long as I can remember. So when I went to intern at the radio station, meeting George seemed to signify a major change in the course in my life. In fact it was. And part of this was due to George’s encouragement. Many years have passed since then, and I often wanted to share with him where I have been and what I have accomplished. So, George, while you were once on the air, now you are in the air. Thank you, Sir. You will be missed, and always remembered. "

" George was one of the most positive people I have every met in my life. During his many years of involvement with the Kid's Free Fishing derby sponsored by the Active 20-30 Club, I witnessed his passion for fishing and kids. Geoge you will be sorely missed but know that your work here on earth did not go unnoticed. "

" I believe I met George a long time ago when my brothr worked for the old KVON. I always looked forward to his fishing reports that were colorful. His offerings will be missed. "

" I started my career in radio journalism at KVON/KVYN. George was the first radio 'Sales' guy I'd ever met. And years later, I'd say he is still the most tenacious Salesman I ever came across. But his kindness was always genuine. Always a smile. Always an encouraging word. Blessings on the Carl family. "

" Ten years ago I was buying radio time for a client. I was new to the industry and I met George. He was incredible in both his persistence as a sales person and his willingness to educate me and turn me into a savy radio consumer. Always willing to share knowledge, share a story and offer suggestions. God Bless his family, he is missed. "

" George was one of the first to welcome my wife, Lisa, and me to Napa in 1999. (George was also a Chicago native.) There was not a better ambassador for the Napa Valley than the bright smile and warm friendship of George Carl. Our life's paths crossed occassionally thereafter, but George always made me feel like he'd known me all your life. He was simply a wonderful man who will be missed by his wife, Andi, his family and friends too numerous to count. I will always consider it a priviledge to have known him and been so blessed to spend time with him in the final hours of his life. He smiled to the very end because he knew the real meaning of life and had lived every minute of it! Thanks, George! "

" George and Dan Healy invited me to join their "exclusive" deep sea fishing group on its annual Mexico trip. What a treat it was. Great fun, great fishing and great partying. The amazing thing was how many people we ran into in various Mexican cities who knew George. What a great guy to share a beer and some laughs. I was also honored that he passed to me the torch for his longstanding gig as Santa for the kids at Wintun school and others. Thank you George! Hope the fishin' is good where you are my friend. "

" George will always be remembered as honest to goodness giant of a good guy who didn’t suffer from the all to common need to talk for the sake of talking, and he talked for a living... he will be missed by many Napans. The Napa Valley was just a sleepy ag community when George arrived, it didn’t take though before the sportsman of the Valley began tuning to his ‘outdoor reports’ to get the latest low down on their favorite outdoor adventures... he was being missed while under going his cancer treatments. Growing up here in Napa in the 60s and 70s George was the voice of the KVON early morning show, then as a business owner it seemed like we’d be listening to him on the radio then during commercial break here came George walking through the front door pitching KVON like only a pro could do. If ever there was a man who walked the talk, it was George Carl. More than a few listeners retired listening to KVON when George retired, but while he was on the air you couldn’t hardly find a local radio, business or home, that wasn’t tuned into George Carl. George was also a dedicated Conservationist in the tradition of Teddy Roosevelt. For decades it seemed like anything related to outdoors whether simply for manual labor or being Master of Ceremonies for the annual youth trout fishing derby or merely as a concerned citizen George was there just trying to do more than his share. George Carl passing is truly the end of an era that he not only single handedly created here in the Napa Valley, he also lived it for all it was worth and we’re all better off for having had someone like George Carl around. "

" I worked with George for many years at the radio stations and as many would attest, we didn't always see eye to eye on how to do things. Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun (one his favorite words) and I learned so much from George about caring about people and caring about the community, being involved and engaged. His passion for the things he loved to do was always inspiring. George always tried to make Napa a better place. Rest in peace, George. "

" We are all role models. Our only choice is are we going to be a good role model or a bad role model? About 10 years ago I had a conversation with George that I have never forgotten and never will. He was the epitome of a good role model and probably did not even realise it. It just came naturally to him. "

" In 1978 I decided to look into joining the Active 20/30 Club of Napa. My first exposure to one of the Club’s many community events was the Santa visit to Wintun School for the disabled. Upon arrival I saw a man dressed as Santa interacting with the students who had a variety of handicaps. He was cheerful, caring and seeming unaware of their disabilities. I, on the other hand, was disturbed by what I saw and stood in the back of the room. When the gift giving and festivities ended the students were told to make their way back to their classrooms. One young woman seemed confused and rather lost. Santa came to her aid and looked me in the eye while offering the women my assistance in returning to her classroom. Suffice it to say, as she reached out for my hand, I fumbled and became somewhat of on idiot. As we walked to her classroom, her fellow students started teasing us that she had a new boyfriend and we both turned beet red. In my drive back to my office I realized the significance of what had happened. With Santa’s assistance I became aware of the importance of being involved helping the less fortunate in our community. I became an Active 20/30 lifer and have gone on in other non-profit and service organizations to assist many more Napans. My admiration and respect for George Carl has only grown over the many years since 1978 and was honored to be involved with the dedication of the George Carl Children’s Free Fishing Derby last April. Thank you George, save me a seat next to the campfire! "

" I first met George when I came to KVON as an intern. He convinced me to join his sales team and, in many ways, changed the course of my life. He was a true friend, always available with words of encouragement and a bad pun or two! He really believed in me and called me his "superstar". Champions like that don't come into your life very often. When I learned of his death a few days ago, I was in a small village in Italy. That night, in a tiny cafe, I toasted this great and good-hearted man. Everyone in the restaurant (even all of the Italians!) raised their glasses and shouted a hearty "Salute". I think he would have like that. "