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George Axinn Obituary

AXINN, George Harold, 84, died in Tucson, Arizona March 8, 2010. A noted scholar, educator, author, diplomat and philanthropist, George spent his life working to alleviate poverty, help the world's farmers be more productive and feed the poorest people of the world. Born 1 February, 1926 in Queens, New York, George graduated from Queens High School. He earned a B.S. in Agriculture from Cornell University (1947) and both an M.S. (1952) and Ph.D. (1958) from the University of Wisconsin. He was a Professor at Michigan State University for over 50 years and served as Assistant Dean of International Programs there. George also served the United Nations as their Food and Agriculture Organization's Representative to the Government of Nepal (1983-1986) and the Governments of India and Bhutan (1989-1991). Throughout his career he designed and lead dozens of key programs to educate, reduce poverty and provide food in Asia, Africa and Latin America. He also published more than 100 book chapters and articles, four books, and taught the administration of rural development to hundreds of students from around the world. Testimony to the quality of his work, he won the highest lifetime achievement awards from both Cornell University's College of Agriculture and the Rural Sociological Association. In Tucson he was an active member and leader of Southside Presbyterian Church where he dedicated his efforts toward helping the homeless and feeding the hungry. He is survived by his wife, Nancy and their four children, Catherine Axinn (Athens, Ohio), Paul Axinn and his wife, Carole (Tucson, Arizona), Martha "Maggie" Axinn Jerrim and her husband, Larry (Grand Blanc, Michigan) and William Axinn (Ann Arbor, Michigan); his brother, Sidney Axinn (Philadelphia, PA); his sister, Carole Axinn Wilk (Sarasota, Florida); four grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild, cousins, nieces and nephews, and many good friends all over the world. Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W. 23rd St. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in the name of George Axinn to the Southside Presbyterian Church Cross Streets Ministry Program, 317 W. 23rd St., Tucson, AZ, 85713.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for George Axinn

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Won Park

December 20, 2010

Dear Nancy, it is a great shame that I have just learned Dr. George Axinn's departure. It is a great loss to the global community, and I am shocked. He had been such an inspiration to everybody, and he always have his own place in my heart. I am sure he will continue to be with everyone who was impacted by his education and research philosophy. It will be an eternal memory for me to have had many classed with you and him. - Won Park, from KOREA.

S Joseph (Joe) Levine

November 10, 2010

George was such a good friend and colleague for so many years. He was always available to bail me out when needed (and it was periodically needed!), challenge me with new ideas (he reveled in being able to continue his love for teaching via new technology), and volunteer to meet with my students when a liberal dose of encouragement and humility was sure to help. I was so very fortunate to have had a person of such depth and understanding be a part of my career. He will be missed.

Chieko Yasuda

April 17, 2010

Dear Nancy, I was deeply shocked to know about Dr. Axinn's demise. My husband, Prasenjit (Kabil) and I studied at MSU from 1997-99. While Kabil studied Eli Broad school, I was so luckey that Dr. Axinn guided me as my major professor in Dept. of Resource Development. After graduating MSU, from time to time, Kabil and I thought about Dr. Axinn and Nancy since both of you were ideal couple for us. Dr. Axinn was a not only my professor bot also mentor for both of us. Without his guidance and support, I could not have pursued my higher studies. Because he provided necessary academic and mental support to me, I could continue working as a development practitioner in these ten years. I still clearly remeber that your house at E. Lansing, particularly your library where I enjoyed working there. We pray for Dr. Axinn's departed soul. Our deepest condolence to you, Nancy and your extended family.
Chieko Yasuda & Prasenjit Chakma (Kabil), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. George Axinn

April 4, 2010

March 27, 2010

Dear Nancy,
I am deeply saddened to hear about Dr. Axinn’s death. His inspiring life has also reached this corner of the world.
I had the opportunity to have Dr. Jorge Axinn as Professor in Administration of Rural Development during my time at Michigan State and, fortunately, also as a member of my Advisory Committee (1986-1990). I have and always will feel proud of this and appreciate his friendship and lessons. I deeply admired the way he taught, thought and worked, combining perspectives together with you Nancy, as a human ecologist for a deeper understanding and wider view.
Back in Argentina, I have tried to put both lessons and values into practice, remembering his encouragement to educate, alleviate poverty and help the rural and urban poor to contribute to shape their own futures.
Thank you for your example and inspiration. My heartfelt condolence and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.

Elena Avila. San Juan. Argentina. South America

Rita Gallin

March 18, 2010

Dear Nancy,
I was saddened to learn about George's death. My thoughts are with you and I hope memories of your rich life together bring you comfort. Warmly, Rita Gallin

Melissa Hardy

March 16, 2010

Dear Nancy, Cathy, Paul, Meg and Bill,
I am sorry that we make this connection under these circumstances but I feel I would be remiss not to acknowledge George's passing and the impact that you all have had on my life. Nancy has been and continues to be an inspiration in my life and Paul, where would I be if I had not "grown-up" with you in my life.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time and always.
Love,
Melissa

March 16, 2010

I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of George. Truly, he was a renowned international scholar who contributed significantly to internationalization. His contributions are a legacy in the profession.

Julia R. Miller, Professor
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

March 16, 2010

Good memories of George soften my sorrow. He was a distinguished scholar that left the world a better place because of his compassion and action. My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and his family.
Jan Hogan
St. Paul, MN

March 15, 2010

Deeply grieved to hear the sad demise of the IAAS's true friend, George Axinn. For us he was a "Friend in need is a friend in deed". He guided us to agriculturalize basic sciences and physics in farm in Rampur. Now, he is no more with us. But his action will always remain in my memory. I pray to God for eternal peace of his departed soul and give internal strength to Nancy and Bill to bear this irreparable loss. With Love and Peace

Bishnu Bhandari, Kathmandu, Nepal

March 15, 2010

Deeply grieved to hear the sad demise of the IAAS's true friend, George Axinn. For us he was a "Friend in need is a friend in deed". He guided us to agriculturalize basic sciences and physics in farm in Rampur. Now, he is no more with us. But his affection and love to a fellow professional are always in my memories. I pray to God for eternal peace of his departed soul and giving internal strength to Nancy and Bill to bear this irreparable loss. With Love and Peace

Bishnu Bhandari, Kathmandu, Nepal

Jean Geran

March 15, 2010

How to say goodbye to such a truly great man? George and Nancy, you both modeled a life well lived, in service to others..humble, joyful, wise and with a generosity of spirit I've rarely seen. You poured into so many lives and shared your counsel and encouragement to shape our futures. Thank you for your example and for your friendship. I've tried to put your lessons into practice and will be eternally grateful for your presence in my life and the sweet time in Tucson a few years back. Is. 58:8-12 My prayers remain with you, Nancy and the rest of your family. Much love and peace.

Bina Pradhan

March 15, 2010

We are deeply saddened by the news of demise of our sincere friend and guide George. It is an irreparable loss of an ardent supporter and a true friend to Nepal and the Nepalese. We will always remember his contributions to the development of Nepal in different capacities that he served in the country, and as one who touched lives of many Nepalis. Personally and professionally, he has been a source of encouragement and inspiration - Thank you George, you live in our memories and in our hearts. Nancy, we share your loss and your grief but it in dying that we live through our deeds and karma - he is one such a person. Please remember you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jyoti and Bina Pradhan

Sribindu Bajracharya

March 14, 2010

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear the great loss of George Axinn. The unforgettable memories both at rampur, Chitwan and east lansing for his guidance and teachings will stay in my heart for ever.
I pray to God for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

sribindu

Rishi Adhikari

March 14, 2010

It is very sad news for all of us who knew, worked with and enjoyed his love and support. I personally have great memory with him and his family at East Lansing during 1978-1980. I always appreciated his facilitation for my and other IAAS colleagues for our higher studies. I vividly remember the "Rampur Kuti" and the conditions he put to be in his residence in Maharjgunj when he was Country Rep for FAO in Nepal. The conditions were the compulsion to initiate and discuss about Nepal' Development.

My wife and me join Nancy Bill and other members of his family in prayng for the peace of his departed soul.

Rishi Adhikari
Malaysia

Jaci Van Gilst-David

March 13, 2010

Nancy & family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I feel fortunate to have had Dr. Axinn as an instructor and a Mentor during my time at Michigan State. I feel certain that his life has touched every corner of the world. My prayers are with you during this time of loss.

Narayan Kunwar

March 13, 2010

I am saddened by the news that Professor George Axinn passed away. Professor Axinn will be long remembered for his works in the service of humanity in need. At this hour of great loss, my heartfelt condolence goes to Nancy, Bill and other members of the bereaved family.

Rikio Kimura

March 12, 2010

I really appreciate what Dr. Axinn taught me when I was in Michigan State University. He was not just my academic supervisor but someone whom I can learn as a person and a role model. My prayer is with Mrs. Axinn and the rest of his family.

Murari Suvedi

March 12, 2010

George, you have been my Guru and Hero. You dedicated your career to help the rural poor. You and Nancy Ji pursued a path to bring about changes in the rural life in the developing world. Your contribution to building capacity in food, agriculture and rural development will always be remembered. May God give Nancy the strengths to handle stress at this difficult time. Yasoda and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Bill, Kathy, Paul, and Meg.

Kailash Pyakuryal

March 12, 2010

We are deeply hurt with the sad demise of our friend and teacher Prof. George Axinn. We pray to the Almighty for giving the departed Soul an Eternal Rest. We also express our condolences to Nancy and their children.
Kailash and Ila Pyakuryal

March 12, 2010

Thank you George for the great work you have done specially in Nepal. We pray for eternal peace and tranquility of departed soul. Our heartful condolences to Nancy, Bill and Axin family.

Bhairav R (B.R.) and Kumari Khakural and family

Nanda Joshi

March 12, 2010

"George, thank you for being a great friend of Nepal. Mani and I join in prayer for peace and tranquility for your soul. We offer our sincere and heartfelt condolence and support to your wife Nancy and your family members and loved ones."

Wilson Family

March 12, 2010

Our family’s sincerest condolences to Nancy the rest of the family; may God comfort you in your grief and loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We also wanted to let you know that words cannot express adequately our gratefulness for having been given the opportunity to know and be blessed by both Dr. Axinn and Nancy. We are thankful that God brought Dr. Axinn into the world and gave us and many others the opportunity to share and benefit from his knowledge, experience, his care for those in need, and his servant’s heart. We pray that we might use these gifts well. Dr. Axinn will be missed.
All our love to you Nancy,
-Mark, Deb & Zach Wilson

Pat Barnes-McConnell

March 11, 2010

George, You and Nancy have been on my heart and in my prayers for weeks. I tried calling and emailing but got no response. Dave and I are so saddened by this news. We love you both so much. What good friends you have been to us and to so many others and so many significant causes. God is good to have made that possible. Our prayers continue as we send our deep condolences. With much love, Pat

Padam and Kamala Sharma

March 11, 2010

Thank you George for being a true friend of Nepal. We pray for your soul to rest in peace. Our deepest gratitude to you for being there for us in need and provide us support in Nepal and in the US. We offer our prayers and heartfelt condolence and support to your wife Nancy and your family members and loved ones.
Padam & Kamala Sharma
St. Paul, MN, USA

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