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George Gillander Obituary
The Rev. David Vanderlinde-Abernathy, pastor of the church, led the service. Organist Eric Giles accompanied the congregation in the hymns, "Just As I Am," "In the Garden" and "Kum Ba Yah."
Celebrations in George's life and heroic remembrances were shared by his daughter, Wendy, and his wife, life's partner and greatest friend, Ilene.
The bearers were his brother-in-law Richard Lunde and longtime friends James Sloan, Michael Choquette, Norman Champagne, David Fitch and Thomas Willard. Burial was made in the Hope Cemetery, where the Rev. Vanderlinde-Abernathy read the words of committal.
Fellowship and luncheon followed at the Hilltop Restaurant in Barre Town.
In honor of George's strong commitment with the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, the Montpelier Elks Lodge 924, of which he was a past exalted ruler, presented its memorial service Thursday evening at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre. The presiding officers were Exalted Ruler Scott Phillips, Leading Knight Timothy Hutchins, Loyal Knight Kevin Goss, Lecturing Knight Bennet McFaun, Esquire Michael Blanchet and Chaplain Karen Lafreniere.
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Memories and Condolences
for George Gillander
Anna from Greece
April 25, 2025
I will always remember with a smile travels with George and Ilene. How fortunate I am to have known George-he was very thoughtful, adventuresome, inquisitive, generous, supportive, interesting and interested, kind, resilient. I will think of him today with a smile and with warm thoughts extended to Ilene and their friends and family.
Judy Graham
June 6, 2013
Karen
I just read about your brothers passing. I am so sorry. Wish we lived in the same state. I amnthinkingbofbyou and your family
Judy Graham
May 29, 2013
To Ilene and family-so sorry to hear of George's passing. I knew him from MHS and Vermont Mutual. He was such a great fellow. God Bless you all-in remembrence, Barbara (Colby) Hartman, Mobile, AL
Anna Johnston
May 11, 2013
George was my classmate from grade school. We were dance partners at Union and Main Street schools. So many old happy memories. RIP, George.
Anna Johnston
May 9, 2013
Karen, my sister told me of your brother's death just today. I am so sorry. It sounded like he had a very full life and did many interesting things. He was always a nice older brother when we hung out at your house.
Love, Jane Colombo Rowe
Betsey (Paterson) Lord
May 9, 2013
Karen and family, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. A wonderful man who will be missed by so many.
Liane (Pease) Martinelli
May 9, 2013
Ilene, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
May 8, 2013
I grew up on college street accross from the Gillanders,they are a great family,George was a friend many decades ago,I always liked George and he will be very missed by his close friends and family,may God bless you in your grief.Jim Parker Howey in the hills ,Florida
Hara Dwyer
May 7, 2013
Karen - I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Donna Moran
May 7, 2013
My heart goes out to you and your family during this time of sorrow. Your pillars of strength and love created a passage of grace and peace for George and his legacy of living life to the fullest. Peace be with you
May 6, 2013
Ilene,
I am so sorry for you loss. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this very difficult time. In the days that follow my your fond memories bring you comfort and peace.
Tamyra Ladd
Amanda LaCasse
May 6, 2013
Mrs Gillander - so sorry for your loss. I worked with George a little bit at NEEE and he always made me laugh. Such a great man. I hope your many memories together comfort you during this sad time...
May 4, 2013
Many thoughts and prayers...
Kathy B.
Anne & Phil Dyment
May 4, 2013
Ilene, Thinking of you and sending prayers your way. So glad you met someone so special and had a good life together.
Love, Anne & Phil
Charlene Shaffer Bliss
May 4, 2013
My sympathy to George's wife and family. I knew George from Montpelier High School where i graduated in 1964. Thoughts and prayers are sent to you.
May 4, 2013
Ilene,
George will certianly be missed...his obituary is very touching...I'm sorry I didn't know him better...trusting you'll find comfort in the Lord and all your wonderful memories of George.
Kathy B.
Sandy Cane
May 3, 2013
Dear Ilene, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
John Goodheart
May 3, 2013
Karen,
Just wanted you & family to know I was thinking of you at this sad time.
May 3, 2013
A long time friend on and off the soft ball field,my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Howard W Martin
Judy Knapp
May 3, 2013
Ilene and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. George will be greatly missed at our 50th class reunion this year, but he will be remembered by the MHS class of 1963.
George Roop
May 3, 2013
Very sorry to hear of George's death. I knew George both in Montpelier and Babson College. George was always a positive outgoing person. Always had a wonderful smile and kind word. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
May 3, 2013
Karen - thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Sincerely, Jo Ellen Pirie, Hampton Beach, NH
Brynn Pelkey
May 3, 2013
Ilene, so sorry to hear of the loss of George. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP George, your smile and gentle ways will remain in everyones memories forever. Brynn & Robert Pelkey
Brenna LaPerle
May 2, 2013
I am so sorry Mrs. Gillander. I wish I could be there, but I'll be there in spirit. God bless both of you.
Lynn Perkins Ryan
May 2, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. George was a really kind and warm man, may he rest in peace.
Sue Cat
May 2, 2013
I first met George when I started at Vermont I am so sorry for your loss. George will be greatly missed.
Shirley Rivard
May 2, 2013
Ilene,
I worked with both you and George at the Hilltop on previous occasions. I was so surprised and saddened to read that he had passed away. The very first time I met George, I said to my self, "what a gentle man he is". I want to extend my sincere sympathy to you. While reading the guest book I said to myself, "he sure was loved by many." May he R.I.P.
Shirley Rivard
Pat and Jay Hooper
May 2, 2013
George will be remembered fondly.
May 1, 2013
We were in high school together and for many years after, would pass on the street and exchange a few words. George had such a smile and such an easy way about him. Our 50th wont be the same without him. My condolences to his family.
Barbara Cormier
May 1, 2013
RIP George. Thank you for your kindness; you were a gentleman in the finest sense. And a great Elk.
May 1, 2013
From High School onward: Will never forget that smile and mischief within! So glad he knew where 'home' was.
May 1, 2013
George was a good dude, nice guy. I remember our motorcycle trips to Old Orchard 40+ years ago
May 1, 2013
George was a good dude, nice guy. I remember our motorcycle trips to Old Orchand 40 plus years ago. Bob Brown
David Gustafson
May 1, 2013
If George had an unkind word about anyone, he managed to keep it to himself. George was simply a classy, small town man.
Taisha Pelkey
May 1, 2013
I knew of George for a very short time and although I've only known him then he was still one of the nicest guy! He was so loveable and fun and loved to travel! May he travel the world from heaven and with Jesus and god as his passengers! Rest in peace George!
Roger Anderson
May 1, 2013
Very sorry to hear of George's passing. A good friend in high school, George, you will certainly be missed.
Matheson Linda
May 1, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to high school with George and also worked with him at VM. One of the nicest people I have ever met. Your all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP George.
Stan ("Skipper") Sloan
May 1, 2013
Dear Ilene, Wendy, Sandy and Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I was looking forward to renewing my friendship with George as the new camp at Groton was rising. I was happy to have had the opportunities last year to share a few memories with him. We had a number of childhood connections growing up in Montpelier and I will always treasure his memory. I hope that you are comforted in your loss in knowing that you were able to share your life and love with this great guy.
LeaAnn Severidt
May 1, 2013
So sorry to hear of George's passing. I Worked with George At Denis, Ricker & Brown and New England Excess. He was a very kind and giving man.
Doug Spaulding
May 1, 2013
Just an all around good guy!
Chrisitne Duff Perry
May 1, 2013
To All of George's family-
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, please hold all of your memories close during this difficult time. He is me missed by so many.
May 1, 2013
Dear Ilene:
Please know that George will be in our prayers. May the Lord God Bless and Keep You in his loving care.
The Conti Family
May 1, 2013
George, May you rest in peace. It was such a pleasure to have been a friend of yours and along with being a dedicated Elk,Memories will live on and may God Bless you and your precious family,my thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave Lafreniere
Lynn Provasi
May 1, 2013
Ilene, I'm so sorry to learn of George's passing. May time, family and friends bring you comfort.
Lorena Laprade
May 1, 2013
Wendy what a nice tribute to your father's life. I'm so sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Anna Amalia Costes
May 1, 2013
I feel very privileged to have known George. He was an incredible person, a loving and dedicated husband, and a decent human being. I know that all who knew him will feel this loss and at the same time be thankful for having had the great fortune to have had George in their lives. I wish Ilene, Wendy, and his family and close friends solace in knowing that after having lived a very full and happy life he is no longer suffering.
Susan Sanderson
May 1, 2013
I am so saddened and sincerely sorry to hear of George's passing. He was such a wonderful man and always had a huge smile whenever I'd see him. My deepest condolences to Ilene and the family. May love and good memories lift you up.
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