George William Taber

I first became friends with George during the '72-'73 Freshmen Hockey season, when he was assigned to be the chaperone when there was only one penalty box at Lynah. In my having remained in Ithaca after graduation we would see each other often and especially during his continuing faithful attendance in being an 'Off-Ice Official' during the years I coached the J.V. Team in the mid '80's.
Running into George always ignited a smile on my face and in depending on what was needed, he was always open for a joke or for a serious conversation.
His presence was such that when asked, he accepted to be my first son Olin's ('87-'90) Godfather. He truly was one of the 'Quality Men' at Cornell that I am grateful to have known.
I can especially remember him telling of one of the many great stories his life was full of, was having been assigned to security for the Dalai Lama's first visit to Ithaca. What an honor.
For a long time now, whenever someone like George has passed on, I ask myself:
'Would my life have been better off if George Taber had not been part of it?'
The answer I get, helps my sadness morph into Gratefulness by him having enriched it.

In Thanksgiving for the Life of George Taber and my thoughts to all his family.

Wayne Stokes

George was one of my first friends made during my Freshman '72-'73 hockey season where he was assigned as a chaperon in the Penalty Box.
In having remained in Ithaca after graduation we would see each other often and that included his faithful support as an 'off-ice official' for JV games during the years I coached in the mid '80's. More importantly, he accepted the request and was my first son Olin's ('87-'90) Godfather.
Running into George always ignite a smile on my face as I am quite sure it did others.
He was dinamic

Sail on George, you are forever in our memory. Lynah Rink has not been the same since you left. gary brandt

I met George in the late 70's when I returned to Ithaca to work as the Judicial Administrator at Cornell. I was fresh out of law school and being asked to deal with some difficult conflicts and George's grounded and thoughtful approach to law enforcement on a college campus helped me learn the best ways to handle those conflicts.

Although we interacted professionally, we ended up spending most of our hours together doing something related to Cornell Hockey. Whether it was volunteering on the board of the hockey boosters' organization or serving as off-ice officials during JV -- and later Varsity -- games, George was 100% involved, particularly with the players. He had a quiet but keen sense of humor and never hesitated to offer his help and support to those who needed it.

My favorite memory of George was one of my earliest, and the event that changed our casual relationship as booster board members to a friendship that lasted throughout my 40 years at Cornell. It started at our monthly board meeting in November, 1978. The season was barely underway so there wasn't much on the agenda and the meeting broke up early. George asked me if I had any plans for the rest of the evening, and I didn't so he said he had to check in on something that he thought I might find interesting. I accompanied him back to Barton Hall, assuming we were heading for Public Safety. Boy was I wrong! Instead, we went to the main door that opens onto Garden Avenue and the whole area was filled with large trucks and buses. Once inside, I realized that we were backstage at a Bruce Springsteen concert. It turned out to be one of the most unique experiences of my life and I have George to thank for it.

I got to know George through Cornell hockey in the early 1980´s. George was such a kind, gentle person who took a genuine interest in all the players, their families, and background. He was a very special person who I remember very fondly. My condolences to the Taber family.

George was thoughtful and kind - a man of character. We worked together at Cornell for over 30 years. He loved the University and its hockey team. In February of 2000 he arranged for me to drive Congressman John Lewis to the airport - a highlight of my career. Thinking today of Carolyn.

Heartfelt sympathy to ALL of George's family and great friends. As his first wife I am reliving memories of family= our two daughters - and loving family time and career pursing time for all of us. He was a good good person. Our first date was July 4th 1962....went to Taughannock Park.! Our two daughters Betsy and Bonnie - are both truly wonderful and create phenomenal pride for their parents. Hockey was sure a main interest for George!! We were Married for 21 years...I say bless the soul of dear George Taber.

George and I worked together for 32 years. I remember George as a highly respected, professional police supervisor and friend. He will be in our minds and hearts forever.