SACO – George Edwin Gorham, 65, of Ocean Greens Drive, died unexpectedly July 30, 2009, in Saco. He was born May 27, 1944, in Houlton, a loving son of George and Doris (Lawrence) Gorham. George grew up a true “County” boy – picking potatoes, playing baseball, fishing and visiting grandparents in Canada every weekend. George graduated from Houlton High School in 1962 and from the University of Maine at Farmington in 1966, with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. He obtained his Master of Science degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1970. In 1966 he married his favorite Farmington co-ed, Norma McQuilkin of Canaan. Together they raised “the girls” in Hampden, where his vegetable gardens and raspberries flourished. Hiking Mount Katahdin with friends and family was a favorite autumn pastime. An avid outdoorsman, George relished nature, whether it be while casting in a favorite fishing hole, skating on the pond by moonlight, picking fiddleheads in secret locations or listening to the frogs in his own backyard. Professionally, George dedicated his life to fostering the emotional health of children in kindergarten through third grade. First he worked as a teacher in the Millinocket and Bangor schools, and then spent the next 33 years working as an elementary guidance counselor in the Bangor school system. George was the chief scooper at ice cream socials and was loved and respected by all. Upon his retirement in 2004, George and Norma relocated to Saco to begin a life surrounded by their girls, their adoring grandchildren, as well as George’s brothers, cousins, and their special families. George and Norma felt embraced by the ministers and congregation of First Parish Church, where they served together as deacons and devoted members of this faith community. The joy of George’s life was the extended time spent nurturing his grandchildren through reading, playing checkers, hiking to the “mint tree,” berry picking and learning the joy of a job well done. George also felt so grateful for the special bonds he enjoyed with his close friends and neighbors. He is survived by his wife, Norma; mother-in-law, Elizabeth McQuilkin, of Saco; daughter, Amy Roberts and her husband, Brian, of Newburyport, Mass.; daughter, Angela Galeucia and her husband, Michael, of Scarborough; his five grandchildren, Hannah, Lindsey Dorie, Nicholas, Owen and Theo; brother, Dick Gorham and his wife, Jill, of Westbrook; brother, Frank Gorham and his wife, Kathy, of Gray; 13 nieces and nephews. The light that George brought to this world impacted the lives of everyone he met. He is remembered for his rosy cheeks, twinkling eyes and easy laugh. His devotion was unrestrained, whether it be to the long term care of his mother, his mother-in-law or to his 1967 Mustang Convertible. He was especially generous with his patience, kindness, and love of the simple things in life. He will be sorely missed by all. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at First Parish Congregational Church UCC, Saco, with Senior Minister Douglas Nielsen and the Revs. Peter Mercer and Abby Lynn Campbell officiating. Private family burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Center for Grieving Children, 555 Forest Ave., Portland, ME 04101 or First Parish Congregational Church, 12 Beach St., Saco, ME 04072. Dennett, Craig & Pate, 365 Main St., Saco, are in charge of the arrangements.
GEORGE E. GORHAM
