Francis H. George

Francis H. George passed away suddenly on Saturday July 12, 2008 while doing what he loved, making hay. He is survived by his beloved wife, Arlene; daughter, Janyce Wolf of South Orange, NJ; son, Dixon of Littleton, MA; son, John of Brookfield; daughter, Elizabeth Foss and her husband Roger of Spencer; son, William F. and his wife Elizabeth of Spencer; and son, James of Richmond, Virginia; plus many grandchildren and one great grandchild. His first wife of over 50 years, Barbara, predeceased him in 2000.

Mr. George was born in Williston, North Dakota in 1919 and was raised on a wheat farm in Aberdeen, South Dakota by his maternal grandparents. After graduating from Harvard College in 1941 he entered the service where he met Barbara Allnut while performing a magic show. She eventually became his assistant and then his wife. After the war he went to Harvard Law School, graduating in 1951. He started his law practice in Pittsfield, then joined the Worcester law firm of Stobbs, Stockwell and Tilton in 1953. He remained with that firm for many years specializing in insurance defense work. To allow himself more time for his beloved farm he left the firm and opened an office in his house. He maintained a private practice until he was appointed to the District Court Bench by Governor Sargent in 1974. He served as an Associate Justice in what is now the East Brookfield Court until he was named Presiding Judge there in 1984, where he remained until retiring at age 70 in 1989.

Mr. George was active in many community activities. He was a proud supporter of the 4-H community and was on the Board of Trustees of the Worcester County 4-H Center Inc. for 20 years and was elected president for his last 6 years. He was very active in the horse world, managing many local shows and also acting as announcer. He was a member of the board of governors of the Mass Horsemen's Council for many years and was the primary organizer of the first Cross State Trail Ride. He also was an organizer of the Laurelwood Riding Club in Spencer area during the 1960's. An avid reader, he had an addition put on his house to store his extensive library.

Calling hours will be held at the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 163 Main St., Spencer on Wednesday July 16, 2008 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The family invites friends to a celebration of his life at his home at 35 Gold Nugget Road in Spencer on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Worcester County 4-H Center, 92 McCormick Road, Spencer, MA 01562 or the Friends of the Richard Sugden Library, Pleasant Street, Spencer, MA 01562.