1945 – 2004

GRAY – George E. Washburn, 58, passed away in peace Thursday, March 18, after fighting a courageous battle against leukemia.

He was born May 25, 1945, in Calais, a son of Edwin “Bud” and Marvel Washburn. He attended South Portland High School, then Plus-Gray’s School of Business and New England College. He also served four years in the Coast Guard on the ice breaker, the Mackinaw, in Sheboygan, Mich., and on the weather station cutter, the Cook Inlet, based in Portland.

He had most recently worked for Millbrook Distribution, Leicester, Mass., for five years until he was diagnosed with leukemia. In the year 2000, he achieved the Service Excellence Award for Outstanding Job Performance. He had previously worked for York County Biscuit Company for 20 years and attained Salesman of the Year in 1980. He made many friends during these years with the people who worked for Shaw’s Supermarkets. Their kind words and cards continued to encourage him during his illness.

He loved nature, and traveling the unbeaten path to go fly fishing, his passion. He instilled the adventure of camping and hiking in his sons. George loved Maine. He and his wife camped and fished in the wilderness of the Allagash region. Spring and summer vacations were spent playing “tourist” in this glorious state; in the fall, he would go hunting with his father-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cheryl of Gray; two sons, Timothy of Gray, and Kevin of Falmouth; a sister, Linda of South Portland; a step mother, Janet, of Gray; several aunts, an uncle, and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his brother, Lloyd.

A special thank you goes to the CICU at Maine Medical Center and the Maine Health Care Centers – we appreciate the respect and care you extended to George.

Copy the Story Link