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BORN
1926
DIED
2010
George Abbott Obituary
1926 - 2010
George Abbott was born on October 26, 1926, in Wharton, New Jersey.
He passed away on November 16, 2010 in Redding, CA with his son Lee at his side.
George served 2 years in the U.S. Army after high school. He later worked as a sports editor and police reporter in New Jersey and Idaho. After marrying in 1954 in Twin Falls, he taught school for 30 years, including 26 years at Shasta High in Redding, CA. George taught English and Journalism at Shasta and served as faculty advisor for the newspaper and yearbook.
Most will remember George with a 35 millimeter camera strapped to his neck as he patrolled the sidelines at Shasta High sports events. Some will remember his frequent letters to the editor. And others might remember the human interest stories and photographs he submitted to newspapers as a freelance writer.
George was an avid photographer and for decades, people viewed dozens of his photographs and slides each year at the local fairs in Anderson, Red Bluff and McArthur.
A die hard Giants baseball fan since childhood, George was thrilled to see the Giants finally win the World Series.
His ashes will be scattered in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe.
George was preceded in death by Charlotte, his wife of 44 years.
He is survived by their only son, Lee.
A memorial service and reception will be held Monday, November 22, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church located at 2315 Placer Street. Donations can be made on his behalf to the American Indian Education Foundation.,
P.O. Box 27491, Albuquerque, NM 87125.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Abbott
David Marsh
December 6, 2010
SHS had some wonderful teachers and Mr Abbott was one of the very best. My condolences Lee.
Denise Dethlefsen
November 29, 2010
I've missed George during the last several months he was unable to attend photo club meets. His camera was never far away and he loved all the processes of photography very much.
Matt Russell
November 22, 2010
Lee, your dad was an amazing man who spent his life helping others. He loved you very much. Our prayers are with you.
Mike Fitzgerald
November 21, 2010
Dear Lee,
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your father. I was a student of George's for all three years at Shasta High and remember him fondly as an indulgent and tolerant teacher who had to manage a number of characters on both the Daisy and Volcano staffs - and always succeeded with grace and humor.
Mike Fitzgerald
SHS Class of 1977
Shasta Daisy 1977
Shasta Volcano 1976
Bill Erby
November 21, 2010
Lee, my condolences on the death of your father. I knew him since his first day at Shasta High. Even after our retirements, we met with a group of friends for dinner. I shall remember him always.
Photographer George
November 21, 2010
I knew George from the Shasta Photo club and had the pleasure of going out on photography adventures with George . The photo club will miss him.
Sue Hoffman
George out taking photos with the Shasta Photo Club
sue hoffman
November 21, 2010
November 20, 2010
I was so fortunate to have George Abbott as my high school journalism teacher -- he was a true pro who inspired me to become a journalist. He is a big reason I am still in the crazy newspaper biz that he loved so much. He was my favorite teacher at Shasta, but he was more far more than a teacher. He was a presence I will never forget. Lee, thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Doug Bunnell, Marin Independent Journal
Shasta High,1977
Volcano staff 1976
Daisy staff 1977
November 20, 2010
Lee, Your father was a great teacher and and interesting person. Over the past few years, when I saw him around town, he always had something of substance and interest to say.
Barbara Lorentz SUHS '64
phil feser
November 19, 2010
I'll never forget the first day of my 3 years with George as my journalism teacher: he simply walked to the chalkboard and wrote "Assume" and then explained why journalists need to actually work for the story! He tought me life lessons and skills that gave me a career in broadcasting/writing which in turn opened more doors for me than I could ever have imagined! I can still see his tall lanky frame standing on the sidelines of any sporting event with that ever-present camera!
Phil Feser - Shasta Volcano
November 19, 2010
I'll never forget the first day of my 3 years with George as my journalism teacher: he simply walked to the chalkboard and wrote "Assume" and then explained why journalists need to actually work for the story! He tought me life lessons and skills that gave me a career in broadcasting/writing which in turn opened more doors for me than I could ever have imagined! I can still see his tall lanky frame standing on the sidelines of any sporting event with that ever-present camera!
Phil Feser - Shasta Volcano
Mike Mangas
November 19, 2010
Mr. Abbott (took me years to call him George!) was not only a great teacher, an inspiration for me in my profession, but a father figure when my own father was very ill, and a fellow Giants fan who bled black and orange. I'm so happy he was able to realize their World Series championship!
Lee, my condolences. Your Dad had an impact on countless young lives.
Robert Quist
November 19, 2010
George Abbott was one of my favorite teachers at SHS. I learned much of what I know about writing from him. I never saw him lose his temper, even when there were serious strains on his patience. He always treated students will respect and humor. I am sorry that I never thanked him personally.
John Waite
November 19, 2010
Lee, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know you and your Dad were very close. Stay strong old friend.
Ron Miller
November 19, 2010
I was on the Volcano from 1972-73, as a reporter, sports editor and advertising manager. Thanks Mr Abbott for your patience, caring and enthusiasm. You were a fine role model both as a journalist and a human being.
George at work on the SHS yearbook
Lee Abbott
November 19, 2010
Barbara and Charles Lobo
November 19, 2010
Our daughter still has a picture Mr. Abbott took of her at a SHS softball game. I remember the camera around his neck. Our sympathies to you Lee.
November 19, 2010
Mr. Abbott was a gentle, kind man. I remember him well with his camera! Our condolences to his son. Debbie & Don Fluhrer, SHS class of 1968.
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