George ‘David’ Malsbary, 73, of Vero Beach, passed away on Oct. 13, 2014, after his year-long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne Gabbard Malsbary; daughter Christie “Little Dave” Soileau (Brannon); and his grandson Clayton Soileau who was the apple of his eye. He is also survived by his two sisters, Margaret Christiansen and MaryJane Adair (Frederick); his brother Samuel Malsbary (Martha); plus several nephews and nieces.
Malsbary was born in Romney, Ind., on March 1, 1941. He graduated from Purdue University then served in the U.S. Army being stationed in San Francisco, Calif. Leaving the military as a captain he went on to receive his MBA from Indiana University.
His career began in the Agricultural Division of Monsanto. It was then that he attended the Executive Management Program at Columbia University in Rye, N.Y. His career took him around the world where he was able to meet people of all cultures and ideas. The knowledge gave his family invaluable lessons in humanity. He left Monsanto as Vice President of the Agriculture Division and moved on to Avon, Conn., as President of the Darworth Co.
Malsbury achieved his goal of retiring at age 55, vowing to never shave again and went back to his roots of farming in Indiana.
Farming was his greatest joy especially at sunset when he would stop the tractor, turn on some classical music and have a fine cigar while watching the sun go down. When not farming, he served as President of AFB international outside St. Louis.
After retiring from AFB, he and his wife moved to Vero Beach. They spent the years traveling to exotic places such as Brazil, Turkey, Spain and Africa, always making time to watch their grandson play football.
He lived a full life with many travels and adventures. He had stories which we will miss but always treasure. He took life seriously but remembered to throw in some fun.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, 520 Royal Palm Boulevard, Vero Beach, FL 32960 on Nov, 8 at 10 a.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network, P.O. Box 243, Stevenson, Maryland, 21153 or to the Vero Beach VNA Hospice at 1110 35th Lane, #1 Vero Beach, FL, 32960.
Arrangements are under the direction of Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.
