1929 – 2015

LEEDS — George E. Hartford, 86, of Plains Road in Leeds, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

George was born March 25, 1929, to Lena and Floyd Hartford. He attended Leeds and Monmouth schools and was an active member of the community. George was a generous man and helped many people along the way.

On April 8, 1949, he married Rita E. Kenney. They were married 59 years until her death in 2008.

George was a member of the National Guard, where he trained as a demolitions expert. That might explain his interest in all things that go “boom!” He was a Shriner and a member of the local chapter of the Masons. George had a strong work ethic and worked at the Bonafide Mill and later retired from Tex-Tech, where he proudly supervised 12 men. He was a skilled machinist and his analytical mind could figure out how to build or fix anything presented to him.

He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman and had many a tale to tell of his adventures. George enjoyed camping with his family and friends and had an adventurous trip down the Allagash River with his wife and good friends. He loved music and could often be found sitting outside, playing a lively tune on his harmonica. The past few years, he took great joy playing poker with Mark Burgess and “the boys.”

George had a love of life and all things living. His passion for life instilled a sense of wonder and awe of all of the beauty in nature surrounding us. He always had a smile on his face and loved to tease the ladies. George’s positive attitude was contagious and he always left you feeling good about yourself after a visit.

George’s greatest pride was in his children and grandchildren. He loved sharing their lives and thoroughly enjoyed watching them as they grew up.

He will be sadly missed by his daughters, Lynn and husband, Douglas Gibbert, of Leeds, Robin and husband, Michael Nadeau, of Turner, and Vickie and husband, Girard Boucher, of Leeds; many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and his sister, Willa Upham of Alabama. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Harvey, Wendell, Percy, Herbert and Oscar; his sister, Edith; his wife, Rita; and baby son, Larry.

You may offer your online condolences to George’s family at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.

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