Frank William [George] Esterling

Published 6:02 pm Thursday, May 2, 2013

George Esterling answered the call to the post for the last time on __Apr 22, 2013__ 

For health reasons, George moved from his South Carolina home to California. He died at home in Sunnyvale, CA surrounded by friends and family. He dearly missed those wonderful Carolinian’s who were his extended family for many years.

Born in Hampshire England in 1931. He was preceded in death by both his parents; Arthur and Annie Esterling. Also, two sisters: Dolly Reid and Beryl Woodbridge. He is survived by his brother: Brian Faulkner; cousins Heather Louder and her husband; Karen Brooks; niece Linda and numerous nieces and nephews in England. In the United States, he is survived by his son Michael and grandson Justin; brother in law David Nilsen and wife Nancy and a number of nieces and nephews.

In England, George was a respected and well-known jockey both riding on the flat and over fences. He rode his first three winners riding racing ponies at the age of 10 at Burley Manor Park in the New Forest. His racing in England progressed with several Grand Nationals and other significant races. He continued to ride in United States and Canada.  When he quit riding races he turned his hand to training race horses and hunting foxhounds.

He made a world of friends and colleagues in the horse industry and beyond. Without his gift as storyteller, the world will be a much more solemn and empty place.

The love of his life, his wonderful wife of 37 years, preceded him in death in 2008. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he met.

He is also survived by his faithful friend and companion of many years, Tina, his Jack Russell. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. No services are planned for here and his remains shall be returned to England.