George Richard Fournier Jr. M.D.

George went to his heavenly home through God’s love and grace on July 22, 2024.

George was 71 years old. He was a beloved husband, a brother, a stepfather and step grandfather, a friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church in Yankton, South Dakota with Reverend Errin Mulberry officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Yankton.

George was born on December 5, 1952 in Caracas, Venezuela where he lived until he was 11. His family then moved to Houston, TX where he went to Robert E. Lee high school. George attended Menlo College in California, the University of Texas, where he graduated with honors obtaining a BA degree; as well as the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX, graduating with a Doctorate degree in 1980. 

George practiced as a Urologist, he did his Post Graduate Training at The University of California, San Francisco and his Post-residency gaining the title AFUD Scholar in The Division of Hematology/Oncology in the Department of Veterans Affairs M.C.

George gained Honors and many Awards. He held Society Memberships in the American Urological Association, California Medial Association, San Francisco Medical Society, American Federation for Clinical Research, Society for Basic Urologic Research, Fellow American College of Surgeons, American Association of Clinical Urologist, and South Dakota State Medical Association.

George authored and co-authored many studies and papers. George gave numerous presentations throughout the US on Prostate Cancer, Laser Evaporations, Aging and Diet, PSA, and Treatment and Screening of Prostate Cancer. George had 19 published abstracts and was ascribed to 25 publications. 

George co-invented the CO2 Laser Cystoscope Bridge with a patent granted in 1988.

George was very active in the medical community and held seats on multiple committees at The Yankton Medical Clinic. He loved his patients and was always available for them, he also prayed for them. Throughout his career, he was known for his hard work, dedication, and passion for helping others. 

George was an adventurous man. Having lived his early years in Venezuela he and his brother, Fred, experienced a life kids dream of, standing on the rim of an erupting volcano, fishing with piranha, watching a revolution take place and may other adventures. He was brilliant, always learning. He was a world of knowledge. Both boys had different dreams, George a physician and Fred an airline pilot, and they accomplished their dreams of what God had planned for them in life. Also, he had a very interesting and rich family linage and history. George and his brother Fred had many days of joy and play. George would practice giving shots to oranges with his mother’s syringe’s (Ethel was a nurse) often times he would try to give Fred shots, chasing him about the house yelling “it’s ok Fred, I know what I am doing!” as Fred ran for his life.

George was a Cellist; in his high school years he played with The All-City Orchestra, The University of Houston Orchestra as well as the group Porterhouse where they played modern pieces for parties, weddings and such.

Later in life his passion was shooting, hunting and anything pertaining to guns, so he decided in 2014 to form a bullet company, Badlands Precision LLC, that is still in production.

But more than anything, George loved his family, his fur family and his Z car.

George’s approach to his disease was that of a warrior, no fear, never giving up. Remarkable strength and grace. Determination.

George is preceded in death by his mother Ethel Mae Fournier (Nightingale) and his father George Richard Fournier Sr.

George is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his devoted brother Fred (Michele) and his stepdaughter Karen (Jaques) as well as his step grandchildren, Grayson, Lauren and great granddaughter Cara.

George gave his life to Christ on January 13, 2022 and baptized on January 31, 2022 and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Rest in peace My Georgie, we will love you forever.