1936 – 2016

Falmouth—Dr. George Spiro Bournakel, 80, of Yarmouth passed away on Friday, May 20, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

George was born on April 28, 1936, in Lewiston, the son of Spiro and Antigone Bournakel. A 1954 graduate of Lewiston High School, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Tufts University in 1958 his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Massachusetts College of Optometry in 1962. After completion of his studies, George returned to Lewiston and established his own practice, Optometric Associates. In 1966, he and Kay Angelides were married in Athens, Greece, before settling in Auburn, where they raised their two children, Stefan and Christina.

George achieved numerous distinctions in optometry, including full membership in the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists. In 1981, he was recognized for his outstanding research contributions in the development of contact lenses, and was part of the original “dirty dozen,” a group of 12 renowned optometrists across the country. After his retirement from Optometric Associates, George was honored with the Lifetime Distinguished Service Award by the Maine Optometric Association in 2006.

Beyond these professional distinctions, George took incredible pride in his connection with his patients, and he is loved and remembered by many of them to this day.

George was extremely active in the local community, working with many local organizations, including serving as president of local area child and family mental health services. A child of Greek immigrants, George was especially proud of his heritage and was active in the Greek

Orthodox church community for many years, serving as president of the church council and being instrumental in the development of the community’s new church in Lewiston.

A lover of jazz music and an avid skier, George had an incredible passion for boating, and was particularly fond of summers in Boothbay Harbor, sailing and spending time with his family.

Friends and family alike will remember George’s sense of humor and his ability to relate stories of his many travels and adventures.

George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Kay Bournakel of Yarmouth; his daughter, Christina of Portland; his grandson, Nicos Bournakel of Kentfield, Calif.; and his sister, Angela Bournakel of Yarmouth. George is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Cynthia Arnold of Brunswick and Kiki Bournakel of Lewiston and his nephews, Chris Bournakis and Nicholas Bournakel, of Portland.

He was predeceased by his son, Stefan Bournakel in 2004; and his brother, Charles Bournakel in 2012.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to George’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.