George was godfather to my former husband. I remember meeting him for the first time at our wedding, visiting him at his straw-studded condo in Livonia, meeting Sylvia the cat and enjoying gourmet meals, going on a mystery train getaway in Blissfield with several other godchildren and spouses, spending a lovely day in Bay City, and enjoying a visit from George when we moved to Ohio. To celebrate Scott's law school graduation, George took our family of four--including two children under 5–to Disney World. Despite needing a wheelchair to traverse the park, he showed us a terrific time (gleefully taking us to the front of every line) and had all the patience in the world with our two little girls. We spoke and wrote just a few times over the last several years. He said he was looking forward to throwing another great party for his 90th. I can only imagine the wonderful celebration he's having with his Savior.
Memories
My brother , The big difference in age was a bonus. I would ask him questions about his growing up or things about my parents that he knew of at the time. I enjoyed listening to his stories as he must of enjoyed my questions. He was always there for me and my family and I loved him for that . I enjoyed going out for his birthday dinners and the best one was at BuccodeBecco , where they brought him a giant sundae and a ladle to eat it with. I enjoyed going up to his place in Bay City and the restaurants we went to. Going on the sailing ship and going to the park where our parents butterfly bench resides. Yes, I have many stories. He was a great big brother and we'll always remember him. Gone but not forgotten. Love you bro, til we see each other again. lil sis
Remembering my Uncle that I shared many special moments with during my life. We would often talk, share meals together, and visit places around Bay City. He always expressed his love and care for his family and many friends. Kevin and I shared a last visit with Uncle George and Mark this past Saturday at the rehab facility. He was in good spirits, he was his usual optimistic and resilient self. We shared new updates, stories, and some laughs and I love you's. I am thankful for this visit and having him in our lives. Keeping these special memories in my heart!
With love and prayers,
Robin Freeman
Good Morning Mark,
We thank you for sending George's obituary. After reading it, we are so humbled to have had the privilege of knowing George. He certainly lived a very full life with so many rewarding accomplishments. We don't know how he managed to pack all those wonderful contributions of time and energy into his life.
We remember meeting him for the first time on June 16, 2008, outside of Bay City. We were heading out to the park on the lake that we visited with you boys last September. He was power walking along the road, so I moved over to give him ample room. Later we were taking pictures of each of us at the lake. A voice behind us said something like "you need a picture of both of you". It was that power walking guy we passed. He took the photos and we started a conversation which lasted about an hour and a half, until it started to sprinkle. He said he had better get back walking before the rain really started. We told him that we would give him a ride . We dropped him off at the condo and he gave us his card, with both the "summer" and "winter" addresses. We got a kick out of the card.
Well, that started our friendship.
When we got you call Wednesday, I looked at the phone and saw it was from George. I was so happy thinking it was him, but the so shocked to hear of his passing. We were so sad at the news as we were hopeful that the rehab would be successful. I think Sue said it best, she said we will so miss talking to him, hearing his voice, listening to his laughter, heading his advice and being able to visit him. Sue had so much fun practicing talking small phrases in Polish. And laughing when George corrected her!
I though back and Wednesday morning, I woke up at @2:00 AM but for some reason I could not go back to sleep. Perhaps, I now know why.
God works in mysterious ways. That single moment in time when we happened to be at the right place, at the right time, on a two-lane road out in the countryside, heading for the same place. And George happened to come over the dune at that exact location when we were there. Stunning! You couldn't have planned it.
God bless George and you for taking such great care of George.
Sue & Bill Glover
Madera, CA
I have been blessed to have met George, a couple of years ago, he and Mark came to visit me for the afternoon in Northern Michigan. A lovely man, smart, funny and so very kind. The world is a better place because of George.