George Hefferan Jr.

SOUTH CASCO — George (“Geo”) Backus Hefferan Jr. was born on Feb. 7, 1936, in Detroit, Mich., and died on May 30, 2016 at the age of 80, in South Casco.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Alice; his children, Geo III, Polly, Leigh, Wendy and Franny; his stepchildren, Leticia and Fernando; 19 grandchildren; and his sister, Judy Rollinson.

Geo was a selfless provider for and supporter of his family, counseling and strengthening his loved ones. He loved his dogs, the Les Cheneaux Islands in Northern Michigan, his boat, the Lila, the Michigan Wolverines, and Detroit sports teams. He was an avid reader, enjoying history books, biographies and mysteries. He loved nature, particularly the cedar trees and pristine waters of the Upper Peninsula in Michigan.

He went to the Taft School, Yale University, and the University of Michigan law school. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He practiced law for 53 years, mostly in the area of trusts and estates, beginning his career in Detroit in 1963 and moving his practice to Portland in 1971. He was an honest lawyer, who mostly just enjoyed helping people. He eschewed cynicism, and searched for the good in people. Ever the optimist, he was undeterred in a six-year fight with cancer, bringing joy and laughter to his family all the while with his indefatigable humor and sunny disposition. He inherited a knack for storytelling from his father, George, and those stories and lessons, and laughter, will live on.

A private service will be held at later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New England Cancer Specialists, 2 Independent Drive, Kennebunk, ME 04043.