On Sunday, December 7, George “Skateboard George” Spinner passed away at 68.
Born in Queens, N.Y., Spinner’s life took him on a journey from the bustling streets of New York to the sunny landscapes of California’s San Fernando Valley. It was there that he spent his formative years before the family relocated to Tucson, Arizona.
Spinner was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at age three, a neurological condition characterized by involuntary outbursts and muscle tics or spasms.
When Spinner’s sister secured a job in Reno, he followed her, making the Biggest Little City his new home. Over the years, he became an integral part of the community, leaving an indelible mark on those he encountered.
In recent years, Spinner grappled with health issues, facing the challenges of arthritis and ultimately undergoing hip replacement surgery. As time passed, additional health concerns emerged. A few months ago, his electric wheelchair broke, necessitating the use of a manually operated chair.
A burial service to honor his memory was held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, at Our Mother of Sorrows on North Virginia Street.
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