SHERBROOKE, P.Q., Canada – George T. Mickeriz, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died suddenly Thursday, Aug. 12, while vacationing in Canada with his wife, Bernie, by his side.

He was born Oct. 24, 1923, in Rumford. He attended Rumford schools and graduated from Stephens High School in 1942. He joined the USAF as a navigation instructor and bomber pilot in February, 1943. He later served in the USAF Reserve for many years as a B-17 flight instructor and retired as a Colonel in 1973.

He married Bernadette Poirier in 1946, they raised four children. After World War II, he founded Rumford/Rangeley Scenic Airways, as a commercial pilot, he taught many local people how to fly. He worked from 1951 – 1971 for the Maine Mills of Coats and Clark as the assistant manager and personnel director. He also served as a part-time sheriff/criminal investigator for eight years.

In 1972, he started Mickeriz Realty and worked there until his retirement 15 years ago. He was active in many civic, political, and fraternal organizations in the greater Rumford area.

He loved to travel. He was a master woodworker, mechanic and loved airplanes. He particularly enjoyed family gatherings and playing golf with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Bernadette, of Rumford; three sons, Michael and his wife, Jane, of Peru, Stephen and his wife, Martha, of Shapleigh, and Mark and his wife, Sandra, of Lyman; daughter, Erika Myer and her husband, Peter, of Springvale; three sisters, Vicky Koenig, of Louisville, Ky., Starsy Wesey and her husband, Al, of Great Neck, L.I., N.Y., Joan Krause and her husband, Milo, of Escondido, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother, Steve; and two sisters, Dolores and Mildred.