Photo courtesy of Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London
New London, New Hampshire
Jul 8, 1934 – Oct 26, 2024
George Vernon West of North Sutton, NH and Manchester, NH passed way ever so peaceful in his sleep October 26, 2024 at his home with his loving wife Kristine at his side. George was born in Lewiston, Maine, July 8, 1934 to Vernon Frank West and Mary True Nims. He was raised in North Sutton, NH where his father ran the Vernondale Store and George clerked there along with pumping gas for the customers and renting out his boat to the summer residents at Kezar Lake. He enjoyed ice skating on Kezar Lake in the winter months. He graduated with third honors in 1952 from New London High School.
In 1953 he joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Thule Greenland and three years in Hawaii. He spent a total of nine years in the United States Air Force. He was crew chief on B-29 bombers, C-124 Globe masters and the C-47. He worked in the aviation field all his life working for Buker Airways in Springfield, Vermont; Precision Valley Aviation, Sajen Air, and most recently at Concord Aviation. It was at the Springfield Airport where he met his wife, Kristine Spindler. They were married for 52 years. He also worked in the summer for the Rowe Brothers in North Sutton.
He got his private pilot license which was another big day in his life.
He enjoyed square dancing at Castle Heights or Fortune’s Barn in Bradford. He was an excellent dancer.
George was a 52 year member of New London Post 40, New London, NH where he served for several years as Post Commander. He was District Six Commander and elected State Commander in June 1982 and continued his volunteer service until the end. He served fourteen years as National Executive Committeeman and was currently a member of the National Internal Affairs Commission.
He attended National conventions 44 years of The American Legion most recently in August, New Orleans, LA.
George is survived by his wife Kristine Spindler West, sister Ann West Taylor of North Carolina, many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and his special pride and joy, great nieces Kailee Rose Lovell and her sister Brynn Elise Lovell of Londonderry.
Calling hours will be Friday November 1, 2024 at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London, NH from 4-7:00 PM and funeral Saturday November 2, 2024 at First Baptist Church in New London at 11:00AM, 461 Main Street, New London, NH with burial at the North Sutton, NH cemetery. The American Legion will have a service at 6:30PM.
Special thanks to Kris’s sister, Julie Daniel from Hadley, NY, for being an excellent and very compassionate caregiver to George in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sutton Fire Department, P O Box 179, North Sutton, NH, 03260 for a Fun Fund Day for the Volunteers. George was an honorary member of the Sutton Fire Department of which his father Vernon founded.
RIP my fellow Veteran and Legionairre.....You now deserve the rest and others will carry on for you.....
Tom Scanlon
January 06, 2025 | East Middlebury, VT
Commander George,
You were my mentor and guide through the years as I grew in the American Legion. I didn't always take your advice and regret those few times but overall losing you was like my own father passing away again. I will always think highly of you and hope to aspire to your level of dedication. It was difficult dealing with you leaving us but you are in a better place. At your graveside, my final words to you were - So long, Mr. Legion - and it was heartfelt.
Lynette and...
Thomas Wiley
November 07, 2024 | Canaan, NH | Friend
Kris, I was sad to hear about the passing of George. He and I had a few good chats at various times over the past 30 plus years. I remember he had a sister that lived in Huntsville at one time. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. It is difficult to lose a spouse but one of 52 years has to be difficult. It is a lonely road to travel but your friends will help you along the way.
I love you and if I you ever need a friend to talk to I am always available.
Vickie Thrower-Mills
November 05, 2024 | Guntersville, AL
Kris, saddened to hear of the passing of George, he was one of a kind.,
we worked together at Precision Airlines in the late 70,s to early 80,s in Manchester
I have Great memories of George, My sincere sympathies to you and your family.
Marc paul
October 31, 2024 | Manchester, NH | Friend
Kris, We've been neighbors for 30 years & always enjoyed watching George mow the lawn, prep the gardens for vegetables and flowers. Always raising the flag for Veterans Day & Memorial Day, getting the pool ready for all the family & friends to come over for cookouts.. Winters never slowed him down, he would be the 1st to be out shoveling and snow blowing the driveway.. Than he would sometimes come over and snow blow mine as well. He was just always on the go... I would say to my kids, "I...
Donna, Jake, Nicole, Kevin Ledoux
October 31, 2024 | MANCHESTER, NH | Neighbor
George West was such a wonderful, caring, patriotic man. George and Tina West both worked with my Dad, Harold W. Buker Jr, at Buker Airways in North Springfield, VT. George and Tina became dear friends of our family and were always there for us when needed. From all of us (Bukers, Johnsons, Sniders, and Jones) we send to Kris (known to us as Tina) our very deepest condolences.
Sallie McAndrew
October 31, 2024 | Thomaston, ME | Friend
Kris, so sorry for your loss. I worked with Kris for many years. Had the opportunity to meet George on more than a handful of occasions. He was a kind man. My kids remember him fondly from many Christmas parties at FedEx, where he worked tirelessly to make their Christmas dreams come true. His memory will march on in their thoughts as they try to recreate his magic with their own children. Thank you George and Kris. George will be sorely missed.
Paul Carl and Family
October 30, 2024 | Newport, NH
A true Legionnaire and a friend over the years weather we agreed or not.
Also a great mentor for the younger ones coming up in the organization.
We took many trips to Conventions and WDC and Indy. But this is one trip
he must take alone. Till we meet on the other side, goodbye old friend.
Tony and Julia Rabbia
Antonio Rabbia
October 30, 2024 | Contoocook, NH | Friend
The American Legion Department of Maine is sad to hear of the passing of Mr. West, our condolences from all of Maine to the family and to the many members that George mentored over the years in our organization.
JASON HALL
October 30, 2024 | Winslow, ME | Neighbor
