George Waxter

1958 - 2025

Dr. George Harold "Hal" Waxter

December 15, 1958 - April 12, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. George Harold Waxter-known affectionately as Hal, George, Doc, Monka, and by many other nicknames-on April 12, 2025. Hal passed away peacefully with family at his side after a courageous ten-year battle with brain cancer.

Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, Hal was the son of Sandra H. Waxter and the late Dr. George Waxter. He graduated first in his class from Governor Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, Maryland. He went on to attend the University of Southern California, where he earned a double major in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, graduating Magna Cum Laude as a proud Trojan.

Hal began his professional life as an engineer in Northern Virginia, contributing to the development of early can and bottle recycling return machines. He later received his Master's degree in Computer Engineering from George Mason University. However, his thirst for knowledge and service led him to pursue a career in medicine. He earned his M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin and became an Internal Medicine physician, practicing as a Locum Tenens across the mainland United States, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Australia.

Wherever Hal worked, he was highly respected for his deep medical knowledge, diagnostic skill, compassion, and mentorship. His patients and colleagues alike appreciated his bedside manner and his unique ability to explain complex medical information with clarity and empathy.

A true citizen of the world, Hal never claimed one hometown-he was "from" wherever he had last lived. His adventurous spirit took him across continents, where he immersed himself in local cultures, explored nature, and found joy in movement. He hiked the Appalachian Trail in segments over many years, completed the Waikiki Rough Water Swim, kayaked Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and even climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to celebrate his 40th birthday-marked, in true Hal fashion, with a sprint across the African plains in the nude.

Hal was an athlete, a world traveler, and a lover of life. He wrestled and played soccer in high school, became a runner in college, and later took up disc golf. He also had a passion for games of all kinds. A member of Mensa, Hal was an avid chess player, Magic: The Gathering competitor, and board game enthusiast. He had the mental capacity to outthink you, out maneuver you and more often than not out last you with his never-ending mind-numbing analysis.

Hal was lovingly embarrassing. He would show up on important occasions with an odd tie, or weird necklace or in clothes he had owned since high school. He was eclectic, diverse, and joyfully unapologetic about being himself.

Hal is survived by his significant other, Carolyn Harbaugh Cable; his mother, Sandra Harvey Brown; his stepmother, Peggy Waxter; his sister, Tracy W. Solomon (Jim) and their children Zachary, Nick, and Rosalynn; his brother, Scott H. Waxter (Ruth) and their children Grant, Quinn, and Bryce; his aunt, Anne Trilly; and many close cousins and friends around the world.

A celebration of Hal's life and the sharing of "Hal stories" will be held on Friday May 23rd from 2pm - 4pm at Frederick Elks club on Shookstown road. Please wear appropriate Hal attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of Frederick Health Hospital or to a charity of your choice.

George Waxter