Gentle Forum Members,
Betty Wybenga called me today. I am saddened to report that George passed away yesterday, October 27, at the hospital in York, PA. His son, Eric and his daughter-in-law Shelly were at his side when he passed. As was George’s long standing wish, his body has been turned over to a teaching hospital for science. A celebration of George’s life will be scheduled for a later date
George was a very active member and Trustee of the Railroad Museum of Long Island, a Director of the Long Island Sunrise Trail Chapter - NRHS, a fourteen year TCA Member and a good personal friend. I am going to miss our Mexican dinners at El Ricardo’s in Babylon, New York, it was something we both looked forward to every month that LIST meets.
George was a Corporal in the United States Army, he was a clerk in Germany and one of his duties was to muster out those members of the service who were coming to the end of their enlistment. He would check their paperwork, give them their discharge papers and finally, their separation pay. One day a young Private appeared before George to be mustered out. As a good clerk, George examined each piece of the Private’s paperwork. Finding everything in order he issued the soldier his discharge papers and last pay check. Upon every detail being completed, George looked the man in the eye and said, ”Have a great life Private Presley!” Elvis replied, “And to you too Corporal!”
I envision George sitting down with Elvis this evening, having his usual iced coffee and whatever – with “NO ONIONS!” – and catching up on old times!
Don
