George Arthur Magoon

George Arthur Magoon

South Burlington - George Arthur Magoon, 93, a vibrant and adored resident at the Allenwood Senior Living Center in So. Burlington, VT, passed away in the presence of loving family members on December 23, 2017, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington.

He was born on May 15, 1924, in Littleton, NH, to his parents, John Magoon and Ina Wallace Magoon. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joanne Moore Magoon, as well as by five of his six children, Linda Magoon, Barbara Magoon Piel, Wendy Magoon Butts, Philip Magoon and Stephen Magoon. He also leaves behind fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his fourth daughter, Laura Magoon Street, in 1989. He will also be forever remembered by his daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, his nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

After being honored as President and Valedictorian of his high school, George graduated from Dartmouth College, where he traveled internationally as a member of the Glee Club. He then received graduate degrees from Springfield College and Yale Divinity School. He dedicated much of his life to working with youth, having worked for the YMCA as a camp counselor, program director and director before later becoming an Episcopalian priest. In that capacity, he not only dedicated himself to church congregations, he also served in the roles of teacher, chaplain and later, director, of private schools in several states over five decades.

George served as a U.S. Army Sergeant in a machine-gun company of the 102nd Ozark Division in the European Theater during WWll. He received a Purple Heart after being hit with shrapnel from a shell blast as he was helping a wounded soldier to safety.

His sparkling smile, universal kindness and elfish humor brought joy and happiness to everyone whose path he crossed and the world was a better place with him in it. As Tom Brokaw wrote in his book, "The Greatest Generation," George put country above self, service to others before personal achievements and a belief in all people being created equal and deserving of respect and the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

He will be remembered as someone who set the standard for how one lives with grace, love and humility toward his fellow man.

A Memorial Service will be held on the six-month anniversary of his passing, June 23, 2018, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Shelburne, VT.