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George Birnie Calder
George Birnie Calder
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George Calder Obituary
The proud son of immigrants from Edinburgh, Scotland and Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Scott was raised in New York City and Oyster Bay, Long Island.
He had recently celebrated his 91st birthday.
Scott was a larger-than-life personality beloved by family and friends for his wit, wisdom and creative genius. He lived a long, storied, and remarkable life. As a genuine citizen of the world, Scott's life was filled with rich experiences and the occasional brush with adventure. ?
On September 3, 1939, aboard the passenger liner the SS Athenia, then seven-year-old Scott and his parents survived the ship's attack and sinking by a German U-boat in the first act of aggression against Britain in World War II. In 2019, Scott's childlike version of events brought much-needed comic relief to the assembled group of Athenia survivors reunited in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the 80th anniversary of
their rescue at sea.
Scott graduated from The Hun School in Princeton, NJ, and earned his BA from the University of Virginia in 1954 where he was a member of the Chi Psi fraternity. After college, he served stateside in the US Army Signal Corps and rose to the rank of captain.
Scott made his mark as an award-winning advertising executive with BBDO and McCann Ericson during the "Madmen" era on Madison Ave. He then turned his attention to hotel and travel marketing as founder and President of Scott Calder International, and Hospitality Marketing Advisors. His clients included many iconic luxury hotels and resorts across Europe and the Caribbean.
Scott is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carolyn, three children Scott (Charlotte) of Denver, CO, Marshall (Nancy) of Newport, RI, and Kimberly (Ben Yandell) of Manhattan, as well as his grandson Ian (Laura) of Centerport, NY and three great grandchildren Skylar, Cameron, and Regan.
In tribute to Scott's lifelong love of birds, contributions in his honor may be made to The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audobon Center.
A celebration of his extraordinary life will be announced at a later date.
10 Entries
Marie-Claire Leroy Laborde
January 10, 2024
I was a young french girl (19) when I shared the family´s life of Scott: Jean,Scott(10).Marshall(9).Kim(4)from June 1964,24th to Sept 8th.
It was one of the happiest summer of my life.
They all are in my heart for ever.
I feel so sorry for Scott´s children.
Much love to Marshall,Kim and (little)Scott.
Marie-Claire Leroy (Laborde)
Jack
August 28, 2023
As we think of Scott, we remember all the joy and fun he brought to the occasion. A natural performer who loved the verbal joust! We came back East from California in 2017, and with Carolyn and Scott we shared food, drinks, and stories. Scott was a natural counter puncher for Jack´s quips and jokes! He (and we) enjoyed it all.
Scott was the champ, and we miss him.
Much love to Carolyn and Scott´s family, Jack and Anne (Vin) Fenn
John Metcalf
August 19, 2023
Some years ago, I was looking for a new restaurant in the area to eat lunch before my 3-11 shift at Beth Israel-- criteria: spinach pie and Irish breakfast on the menu. I found the Coopertown Diner and settled in at the table farthest in the back. Turned out I had co-opted Scott's favorite table and continued for several days to arrive before he got there. After a day or two I sensed a tenseness and I invited him over to join me. Over the years we ate lunch together most days and he became a dear friend. That was back when he was volunteering as a guide for NYC tourists. When he became homebound, I would come by on Friday and we would order out from Coopertown Diner and share our adventures. Experiencing the few years of knowing Scott as I did, I offer my condolences at the loss of those who spent so much more of their lives in his company.
Kristin Summers and Mark Andrews
August 9, 2023
Thanksgiving Day, 2017
We enjoyed several visits with Scott, Carolyn and Kim over the years. Conversation never lagged when Scott was around; we enjoyed his stories of a life well lived. He is missed.
How you can show support
Kim Calder
June 18, 2023
September 3, 2019 -- Reunion of Athenia Survivors
Malcolm and Nadine Broadbent
June 16, 2023
It was a privilege to have met Scott and in this little corner of France he will always been remembered with affection .
Margot Mladinich
June 14, 2023
I was so sorry to hear about the death of your father the patriarch of your family.I remember the many times you spoke so lovingly of himhe will be truly missed.
Nancy Calder
June 10, 2023
I can´t imagine a world without Scott.
I met him the first time 50 years ago, as a very nervous 17 year old meeting Marshall´s father for the first time. Scott´s natural charm, grace and humor put me at ease immediately and made me a lifelong fan. He was the best father-in-law I ever could have asked for.
Thank you so much, Scott.
You´ll be forever loved and missed.
Lynn Newman
June 7, 2023
So happy to have taken Scott &Carolyn on the pontoon boat in Dillon. God bless
Ben Yandell
June 6, 2023
It was an honor and a privilege to be Scott's son in law.
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