Geoffrey B. Findon

MONSON, Mass. -- Geoffrey Brent Findon of Monson, age 64, passed away peacefully in his sleep April 20, 2011, after a courageous battle with multiple illnesses. Geoff was blessed with the opportunity to spend his last moments at home surrounded by loved ones, and left this earth without any suffering.

He was born Jan. 15, 1947, in Wind Gap, Pa., eldest son of the late Amelia (Wawrzyniak) Findon and the late Brent E. Findon. Geoff was proud to have earned his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Pennsylvania State University, class of 1968, and his master of business administration from the University of Maine, and later earned certification as a senior professional in human resources. He was employed as a human resource manager by the former Scott Paper Company, with whom he spent 28 years, 19 of them in Waterville, Maine; Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Fort James Corporation. He finished his career in 2003 at American Pad and Paper in Holyoke.

Geoff was involved in Boy Scouting in Maine and New York for many years as a Scoutmaster, unit commissioner, and district commissioner, and also worked very hard to earn the Wood Badge. Geoff was proud that three of his four sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. A Registered Maine Guide, he enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. An acoustic guitar enthusiast, Geoff played for more than 45 years and attended several concerts by his favorite musicians Leo Kottke, Pat Donahue, Doyle Dykes and Bela Fleck. Geoff was an avid fiction reader and photographer, as well as a stalwart Red Sox, Patriots and Green Bay Packers fan. He played an active role in the Massachusetts Miata Club, dedicating his free time to the editing and distribution of the quarterly newsletter. He enjoyed spending many a sunny weekend with his Mazda Miata friends "zoom-zooming" around the lovely roads of southern New England with Wini at his side.

Geoff is survived by his beloved wife and best friend since 1972, Wini C. (Manganella) Findon, of Monson; four sons, Stephen M. (Jeanine) Hanley, of Waterville, Geoffrey B. Findon Jr., of Lowell, Robert J. Findon, of Truckee, Calif., and Matthew M. Findon, of Oxford; two grandchildren, Sarah and Jacob Hanley, of Waterville; his great-grandson and great-granddaughter, Zachary and Kennedy Leavitt of Waterville; five brothers, Brent and wife Helen Findon, of Atlantic Highlands, N.J., Gregory and wife Rosanne Findon of Wind Gap, Pa., Gary and wife Annette Findon, of Nazareth, Pa., George and wife Pam Findon, of Pen Argyl, Pa., and Guy and wife Mary Findon, of Wind Gap; four sisters, Susan and husband Larry Nelson, of Lighthouse Point, Fla., Judy Mancini, of Nashville, Tenn., Cindy Schriner, of Nazareth, Pa., and Beth and husband John Hildabrant, of Easton, Pa.; and more than 20 nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Geoff.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, and brothers-in-law John Schriner and George Mancini. Geoff will be sorely missed by all of his family, as well as by family cats Brinca and Milah. Those he left behind are very grateful for the blessing of his peaceful passing.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and staff at the CHF unit of Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, as well as doctors and staff at the cardiac care unit of Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and Wing Hospital in Palmer. Their quality of medical care and level of personal compassion greatly comforted the family in Geoff's final days, as did the wonderful work of the Quaboag Valley Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Lombard Funeral Home, located at 3 Bridge St. in Monson. A visiting hour will begin a 2 p.m. For on-line condolences or directions, please visit www.lombardfuneralhome.com.