Obituary

George "Buddie" E. Washburn, 58

GRAY, ME-George E. Washburn, 58, passed away in peace, March 18, 2004, after fighting a courageous battle against Leukemia.

George was born on May 25, 1945 in Calais, Maine, a son of Edwin "Bud" and Marvel Washburn. He attended South Portland High School, then Plus-Gray's School of Business and New England College.

He also served four years in the Coast Guard on the ice breaker, the Mackinaw in Sheboygan, MI and on the weather station cutter, the Cook Inlet based in Portland.

George had most recently worked for Millbrook Distribution, Leicester, MA for 5years until he was diagnosed with Leukemia. In the year 2000, he achieved the Service Excellence Award for Outstanding Job Performance. He had previously worked for York County Biscuit Co for 20 years and attained Salesman of the Year for 1980. He made many friends during these years with the people who worked for Shaw's Supermarkets. Their kind words and cards continued to encourage him during his illness.

He loved nature, traveling the unbeaten path to go fly fishing, his passion. He instilled the adventure of camping and hiking in his sons. George loved Maine, he and his wife camped & fished in the wilderness of the Allagash region. Spring and summer vacations were spent playing 'tourist' in this glorious state; in the fall, he would go hunting with his father in law.

George was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lloyd.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cheryl, of Gray; his sons, Timothy, of Gray and Kevin, of Falmouth; a sister, Linda of South Portland; a step mother, Janet, of Gray; several aunts, an uncle and many cousins.

Visitation and a celebration of George' s life was held from 6-9 PM, with a brief Remembrance Service at starting 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at the Wilson Funeral Home, 24 Shaker Rd, on Route 26 in Gray. Pastor Douglas Hedstrom officiated.

A special thank you to the C.I.C.U. at Maine Medical Center and the Maine Health Care Centers, we appreciate the respect and care you extended to George. Contributions may be made in his memory to: the Maine Leukemia Foundation, Wilson Pond Road, North Monmouth, Maine 04265.