FORT FAIRFIELD – Dr. Robert “Bobby” S. George, 85, husband of Muriel (Burtchell) George, passed away peacefully Jan. 15, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at a Presque Isle health care facility, after a brief illness. He was born May 6, 1925, in Limestone, the son of Sawyer and Sophia (Srael) George. He moved to Fort Fairfield at a very young age and became a lifelong resident. He attended Fort Fairfield schools and graduated in the Class of 1943. While in high school he was involved in many school activities and was a star basketball and baseball player for the Tigers. In September 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Fleet Airwing Medic Squadron in Panama during World War II. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he attended Ricker College, Houlton, and received his associate degree. He continued his education at Colby College, Waterville, and received his bachelor’s degree. While attending Colby College he met the love of his life, Muriel Burtchell. After marrying July 11, 1949, they moved to Massachusetts, where Bobby attended Massachusetts College of Optometry. Upon graduating they returned to their hometown of Fort Fairfield, where he practiced optometry for nearly 50 years. At that time, he became a communicant of St. Denis Catholic Church, Parish of the Precious Blood, Fort Fairfield. Bobby became a highly respected and active member of the community. He was known for his character, generosity, integrity and compassion. He was also an avid Notre Dame sports fan. He was a life member at American Legion Walter Lovely Post No. 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187, Lions Club and Knights of Columbus Council No. 1753, where he served in various capacities in each of these Fort Fairfield organizations. Mr. George was recognized as the 2003 Fort Fairfield Citizen of the Year and was honored with the Paul Harris Fellowship Rotary Award. Bobby’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He attended any and all activities involving his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bobby is survived by his wife of 61 years, Muriel of Fort Fairfield; three daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Robert Osterblom, Susan and Charlie Russell, all of Fort Fairfield, and Nancy and Clifton Smith of Centreville, New Brunswick; six treasured grandchildren, Paul Osterblom, David Osterblom and his wife, Brandy, Bobby Russell and his companion, Danielle Lombard, and her special children, Maddy and Dakota Yakel, Kathy Russell, Cliff Smith and his wife, Ashley, and Sara Pryde and her husband, Jim; three treasured great-grandchildren, Brendan and Brianna Osterblom and Tucker Smith; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. George was predeceased by one brother, Patrick George; and four sisters, Mamie Mender, Annie Hamjy, Miriam Gannam and Jeanette George. The family expresses their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the emergency room at The Aroostook Medical Center, the special nurses on the medical / surgical floor, the kitchen staff and Dr. Stephen Wood for their kind and caring ways in assisting Bobby during his illness. A special thank-you to the Rev. Aaron Damboise for his visits and prayers. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a vigil service will be conducted 7:30 p.m. by the Rev. Aaron Damboise. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at St. Denis Catholic Church, Parish of the Precious Blood, 147 Main St., Fort Fairfield, with the Rev. Aaron Damboise, celebrant. Spring interment with military honors will take place at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments co-sponsored by VFW Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187 Ladies Auxiliary and Daughters of Isabella Santa Maria Circle No. 427 will be held immediately after the funeral Mass at Knights of Columbus Hall, 184 Main St., Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in Mr. George’s memory to Fort Fairfield Alumni Association, P.O. Box 201, Fort Fairfield, ME 04742; Aroostook Area on Aging, 33 Davis St., Presque Isle, ME 04769 or to a charity of one’s choice. <>
DR. ROBERT ‘BOBBY’ S. GEORGE
