George R. Work 1936-2025

By Paso Robles Press · Thu Oct 23 2025

George Robertson Work was born to Robertson Rhodes Work and Anna Margaret Huston in Paso Robles, California, on September 22, 1936. He graduated from Paso Robles High School in 1954 and then attended Cal Poly for two years before serving in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.

After serving his country, he returned home to the family ranch. Here, George got busy doing what he loved and did so well, which was nurturing relationships, the land, livestock, and wildlife. Here, he also initiated some “best practices” with the land and wildlife.

A 3rd generation rancher, he is succeeded by the fourth, fifth, and up-and-coming sixth generations on the Work Family Ranch.

In 1964, George married the love of his life, Elaine Joan Anderson. They began their family in 1965.  Not only was George a busy rancher, he also served on numerous boards.  

From the PVJU school board, Soil Conservation Board, Twin Cities Hospital Board, and a member of the SLO and Monterey County Cattlemen associations, as well as the Diversified Producers and Heritage Oaks Bank. While at Heritage Oaks Bank, because of his love of the land, he started gifting a Valley Oak Seedling to anyone who opened a new account.

George and his wife, Elaine, of 61 years, also hosted marriage encounters at their home on the ranch. A pioneer in agriculture, George’s implementation of agricultural management and conservation methods earned him local and national recognition.

A devout Christian, George always placed God above all else. His legacy was to “Be a man of God”. He is survived by children, Jody Birks, Ben Work, wife Kelly, Colleen Bojorquez, husband Tim, and foster daughter Karen Carter. He leaves behind grandchildren, Brianna Birks-Ontiveros, Wyatt Birks, Mattie Work, Johanna Work, Dawson Work, Curren Bojorquez, Bailey Bojorquez, and great-grandsons Sloan, Les Sans, and Ellis Work, Jackson, and Luke Ontiveros.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mid State Fairgrounds on December 20, 2025. 11:00 a.m.