GEORGE S. TORREY

FRANKLIN – George S. Torrey, 92, husband of Ruth Souther Griffing, passed away Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010. George was the second of three sons, Fred E., George S. and Marshall W., born to Harry and Ethel (Saunders) Torrey of Surry. George began his lifetime pursuit of knowledge in local schools. After graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1937, he studied business administration at what is now Husson University. Later he studied at the University of North Carolina and at Coyne Electrical and Technical Institute, Boston. Then he was hired as assistant office manager for Meritt, Chapman and Scott of New York during the construction of the suspension bridge over Eggemoggin Reach to Little Deer Isle. After this he entered a training program for machinists in Dexter. On completion he interviewed with General Electric, Pittsfield, Mass., where he was hired in the works lab. In World War II he served as a flying cadet in the Army Air Corps. Returning to General Electric, Pittsfield, Mass., after his honorable discharge, he resumed taking night classes and company courses, which took him through times as a shop foreman, supervisor of the methods department, specialist in technical testing and eventually as a development engineer with his own development lab, where he found his joy, which ended only at his retirement. In 1941 he married Elizabeth M. Ferejohn and in due time became the proud dad to Betty-Ann and Joyce. Unhappily, Joyce lived only seven years. Betty-Ann became her parents’ pride and joy by finishing four years of college, studying medical technology and passing the requirements to obtain a degree and license as a medical technologist. He found much satisfaction and comfort in the camaraderie in his memberships in Freemasonry and in the Order of Odd Fellows. He was especially active in the Scottish Rite, where he was honored by being awarded the 33rd degree for service in the community. When his church, St. Martin Episcopal in Massachusetts, sponsored a Boy Scout troop, he was chosen as Scout Master. The original group of seven boys soon became 45, and the programs he laid out became overwhelming, and a task force of several men took over the chore. From his early childhood with his first jackknife, he was busy making “things.” The jackknife was followed by a table saw, jointer, thickness planer and drill press. To these were added a growing multiplicity of so-called hand tools: planers, routers, chisels, sander, etc. Much later as economics and opportunities presented themselves a metal-turning lathe – milling machine and welding equipment were added. To develop and construct custom equipment and/or parts was a most satisfying part of his life. His vocabulary lacked the words can’t and no. In 1970 Elizabeth was struck with cancer and passed away. After a few years as a free but lonely bachelor, George decided he wanted to learn to play the organ. His teacher, Ruth Griffing, chosen by the piano store, turned out to be a lovely, talented lady, who after a couple of years of lackluster practicing on his part and a moment of weakness on her part, agreed to marry him, and as a testimony of the vagaries of rhyme and reason, has been a most successful pairing. They were married in 1973. George retired in 1981 and as soon as their post and beam house on the coast of Maine in Franklin was habitable, they settled down to create a dream estate that has become a focal point for budding musicians and all sorts of do-it-yourselfers. George continued to live out his dreams, doing what he liked – making things. As in Massachusetts, George continued his membership in Freemasonry, the Order of Odd Fellows and Shriners Temple. Local organizations that he enjoyed membership include David A. Hooper Lodge, Sullivan; Anah Shriners Temple, Bangor; Odd Fellows Club, Blue Hill; Habitat for Humanity of Hancock County; and Franklin Veterans Club. He attended Franklin Methodist Church, where Ruth is the organist. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his daughter, Betty-Ann Hamm and her husband, Robert E. Hamm, of Dalton, Mass.; his stepdaughters, Sally Fehervari and her husband, Wilhelm, of Mansfield, Mass., and Pamela Selseth and her husband, Curtis, of Fairfield, Calif.; and his grandchildren, David and Stephen Hamm and Sean Selseth. He was predeceased by his daughter, Joyce; stepson, Donald; his first wife, brothers and parents. Services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, at David A. Hooper Masonic Lodge, Route 200, Sullivan. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory is requested to send it to David A. Hooper Lodge, P.O. Box 71, Sullivan, ME 04664 or the charity of their choice. No flowers requested.