George Ernest Wedekind

George Ernest Wedekind was surrounded by family and friends as he passed away, peacefully freed from a determined struggle with dementia on December 14, 2022. Born in Schenectady in 1935 to Marie Anna Fritze and George William Wedekind, he first learned his grandfather's trade as a mechanic, washing whitewalls and driving by the age of 9. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree at Clarkson University and reached the rank of Major in the US Army Reserves. He managed the family business, Wedekind Motors, for many years before turning his full attention to Galway Golf Club, a project he began in 1967 and continued until just months before his death. He had a vision and a passion for designing his golf course. He took pride in single handedly transplanting trees, moving greens, and seeing his love for GGC reflected among friends and golfers.

George built friendships through music, the Schenectady East Rotary Club, Schenectady Curling Club, downhill skiing, canoeing, and his businesses, and he maintained those friendships loyally throughout his life. George mastered the clarinet, accordion, the piano and the guitar and was still practicing and learning new pieces into the final months of his life. Chet Atkins inspired him.

He also took great pleasure in the roads and lakes of the Adirondacks, especially Schroon Lake where he spent his childhood summers and served as president of the board of directors at Sand Point Beach Association for many years. He water-skied competitively as a young man and was still enjoying calm morning slalom runs on Schroon Lake at the age of 82. George is survived by his wife Deirdre Sayles Wedekind, daughters Tami Wedekind (Dane Twichell) and Cynthia Wedekind Jacobs, grandchildren Abigail and Sarah Jacobs and Aden Twichell; Dee's daughters Erin Welch (Brian) and Kelly Collins, and grandsons Billy and James Welch; sisters Gretchen Lynn Webster and Bonnie Lively, and their children, Heather Chapman, Kim Webster, Doran Stegura, Kris Webster and grandchildren Dylan and Coy, Natalya, Justin, Cameron, Wilson, and Minnie; and cousin Sunny Baldwin (Bob) and their children Adam, Ben, and Stephanie and grandchild Emerson. He is also survived by his lifelong friend, Lyle Bivens. George was predeceased by his parents and far too many good friends.

The family welcomes friends to a memorial celebration on Sunday, December 18 at 1 p.m. at Armer Funeral Home, Inc. 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa or virtually through Zoom at http://bit.ly/3VT5n4R.

The family is requesting those attending the service wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters PO Box 8468, Albany, NY 12208 at http://www.bbbscr.org are welcome.

Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com