George's Story
George resided in Ellsworth and was married to his wife, Dorothia for 62 years. They had three children; a daughter, Janet; and two sons, Paul and John. He has six grandchildren, four (almost five as a little girl is due in October) great-grandchildren. George is ready to enjoy her birth as she is the only one close enough to visit.
George enlisted on his 17th birthday (September 13, 1943) and is a WWII Veteran having served in the United States Navy. On D-Day he was serving on a destroyer. George also went to school to be an aircraft mechanic. George continued his education and became an industrial arts teacher for 20 years, teaching at George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill as well as Connor Emerson grade school and junior high students. Boy, what a group of lucky kids to have had George as a teacher.
When George retired he decided to work as a draftsman for a local architectural firm, Atlantic Builders, and he designed China Hill restaurant in Ellsworth along with Viking Lumber on the coast.
George continues to keep active volunteering once a week at the Cole Transportation museum, which he has done for 20 years. In the past George has enjoyed the hobby of collecting trains and now he enjoys reading and music.
George made the decision to move to Bangor to be closer to his daughter Janet. He and Janet checked a local facility and decided that the facility could meet his medical needs at the time, as well as offering a Veteran’s supplement to help with the cost. George resided there for a few months and when Janet checked on the Veteran’s supplement, she found that the wrong paperwork was sent. At this time George said “I am not happy.” Once again, Janet and George began a search for another home for George. Janet had clipped an advertisement for the Country Villa and they made an appointment for a tour. During the tour George fell in love with the size and homeyness of the building. He also noted that the residents were very happy. George appreciated how the staff really saw the residents as people, and not just as a job.
George tells us that “everyone here is cheerful, helpful and openly friendly.” He really enjoys his suite, along with his large private bathroom. George enjoys the activities and the good food, “and there is plenty of it.” George is now working on setting up a Bible study group for his house-mates. Kindness and giving run in George’s family as his daughter Janet has been volunteering assisting us in keeping our gardens looking beautiful. She has done a fabulous job. Thank you Janet for helping us.
George and Janet