George Zee McDaniel of Idaho Falls passed away July 19, 2008, in Carbon County, Utah. George was born and raised in Idaho Falls. He was the only son born to the late Zee Miller and Lois Nielsen McDaniel on August 13, 1967. It was often said that it was the darn black cat that frightened George's mother that soon gave way for his Friday the 13th birth.

George was the heartbeat for the McDaniel family. There was never a day that his three older sisters did not dote on him, kiss on him or harass him. He was a delightful young boy that enjoyed spending time with his dad.

George attended elementary school in Ammon. While growing up among the grain fields, George's best friend was truly his dog, Bluk. In the seventh grade at Bonneville Junior High, George met his sweetheart, Wendy Olsen for the first time. Although it took a few more years, it was in high school that George had stolen the heart of his future wife and the love of his lifetime. Wendy and George were made for each other. There is rarely a love that can be matched by what the two of those had; what they had was true, sweet and unfettered.

When the summer evening brought sun into the late evening hours, George was to be found water skiing with his closest of friends on Blacktail Reservoir. He dreamed of the glassy water where he could cut through the wakes on his beloved slalom ski. Winter brought just as much passion for the outdoors. It was skiing at Kelly Canyon and snowmobile riding at his father's ranch; Hell Creek Ranch. George lived for the rush of adrenaline and heart-pounding adventures. At the age of 13, George lost his mother to a fearless battle of cancer. Although this was a painful loss to the family, George was deeply blessed by having the opportunity to have a second mom. His father married Kendra Mortensen during the summer of 1982.

Wendy and George graduated together from Bonneville High School in 1986. That summer George began his 2-year service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served successfully the same mission as his mother had served 35 years prior; England London South Mission under the direction of Pres. Ed J. Pinegar. Upon learning of George's death, President Pinegar stated, "George was one of my very favorite sons and there wasn't a kinder hearted or gentler young man than George. He taught me the greatest lesson of love and compassion. He loved all of those around him."

Upon George's return, he and Wendy were married and sealed for time and all eternity on October 11, 1988, in the Idaho Falls LDS temple. They had the love that so many couples desire and strive for their entire lives. They began their journey together in Rexburg where George attended Ricks College. While attending Ricks, George was diving into the potato industry at High Country Potato.

In June of 1991, George and Wendy welcomed their first child, Stafford George. Three years later they welcomed their daughter Mariah Alice. His children were more than just his pride and joy; they were his world. He did everything with them and everything for them.

For those that knew George the best they could swear that he has a combination of Idaho dirt, sand and snow in his veins. George had an unbridled passion for life and its many adventures. There was rarely a moment that went by that George did not seize with his best friends and son, Stafford. There were always trails that needed ridden by motorcycles, sand dunes that needed tamed with a sand rail and a snow cornice that needed jumped by snowmobiles.

Although George had a passion for adventure nothing could melt him or bring a smile to his face faster than the blue eyes from his little "Tildy", daughter Mariah. At the time of his death, George was enjoying the opportunity to "turn dirt into dreams." George was survived by his sweetheart and wife of 20 years Wendy; son, Stafford (17); daughter, Mariah of Idaho Falls, mother, Kendra McDaniel of Idaho Falls; sisters and brothers: Karen (Kent) Judy of Idaho Falls; Jennette (Doug) Nielsen of Rexburg; Kristine (Doug) Robison of Las Vegas; Terry (Ann) Stone of Draper, UT; Todd (Kerrie) Stone of Idaho Falls; Keenan Jenkins of Valdez, AK; and Shawnee Kotter of Idaho Falls; father and mother in-law, Ron and Carol Olsen of Idaho Falls; sisters-in-law, Kelly (Breck) Olsen Parkinson of Phoenix, AZ; and Kristen Olsen Morgan of Idaho Falls. He was also survived by 27 nieces and nephews and 9 great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Zee and Lois McDaniel; his grandparents: George Zee and Alice Velma Miller McDaniel; and William John and Mary Denning Williams Nielsen. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 25, 2008, at the Ammon Foothills LDS Stake Center, 3934 East 49th South, with Bishop Lynn Woodland officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2008, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, and one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com .