The Strength of Commitment

It’s in the family setting that the furnace of life’s experiences often reveals individuals’ true character . . .

Lloyd and LaPrele George met and married while students at BYU. With the exception of time spent in military service and school, the George’s have lived their entire married-life in Las Vegas.

While many people have heard of Lloyd and Laprele’s vast public accomplishments, their most significant achievements were realized “within the four walls of their home.” It was there that their private victories and greatest rewards were realized – victories that could only result from an unwavering commitment to life’s most important values: God, family, and country.

Principally known for his service as a federal judge, Lloyd also served as student body president of BYU and as a fighter pilot in the USAF before graduating from Berkley Law School. He was appointed US District Judge for the District of Nevada in 1984 after many years of service in less visible judicial appointments. An accomplished vocalist, LaPrele is mostly known for her musical gifts, participation in the Desert Chorale, and her twenty years of service to Las Vegas in the presentation of a live Nativity drama each year at Christmas. Little has been known of their family life or of their great service to what we now affectionately call the “Special Needs community.”

Three of the Georges’ four children were born by the time Lloyd graduated from Berkley. Unknown to many is the fact that their first son, Douglas, was born with multiple medical conditions that affected his health, hindering his mental and social development and his ability to communicate verbally. To this day, “Dougie”continues to live with his parents and participate daily in Opportunity Village work routines and the associations that bring him joy.

A quiet, refined, and diligent woman, LaPrele became everything Lloyd ever hoped for in a wife and mother of his children. Her quiet strength encouraged many in the early days of the Clark County Association of Retard Children (CCARC), the forerunner to Opportunity Village. In addition to co-signing the mortgage on CCARC’s first building, the Georges continued inspiring others both inside and out- of the Special Needs community . . . and all through quiet example.

Douglas was born in a time when the intellectually disabled were less understood and often shunned. In those days, many parents relinquished disabled children to institutions and returned to a more “normal”, less-demanding, life.

Bouyed by their understanding of the gospel and the promise of eternal families, the Georges welcomed Dougie with all of his differences – just as they would each child that would later enter their home. Douglas was part of the family. Accordingly, any who socialized with the Georges at church or in the neighborhood simply came to appreciate the joyful blessing named “Dougie.” As current County Commissioner Rory Reid and other friends of the George children can attest, Dougie’s life was the family’s life – even down to teenage carpooling to Opportunity Village.

While discussing the challenges of their early years, the George’s were surprised to learn that the divorce rate among parents of children with disabilities has now risen to 86%. While life’s challenges often divide families, they can just as frequently unite them -- a blessing the George’s learned by choice and experience. Perhaps great insight came from the words of the Master who said regarding a visually-impaired man and his parents, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be manifest in him.” (John 9:3)

One of the Georges’ greatest pleasures is the realization that their children, Michelle, Sheri, & Steve, were never embarrassed by their brother’s differences but instead were active in his life and supportive of his interests and development. Each family member loves “Dougie” for his unique abilities: making them laugh, smile, and persevere.

Should you ever visit the George’s ward or perhaps the Walter’s Campus of Opportunity Village, be sure to greet Dougie. And when you drive past the imposing federal courthouse that bears Judge George’s name, remember the greater legacy he shares with LaPrele: that of a family united.

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Lloyd & LaPrele George were honored November 7 - 8, 2008 by Opportunity Village for their years of commitment to individuals who have intellectual disabilities. I served as Chairman of the Honoree Committee. Visit http://www.opportunityvillage.com/.