George McPhail

LIMINGTON — George Davis McPhail, 81, died on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Mercy Hospital in Portland.

George was born on Jan. 3, 1932, in Portland, the son of John and Irene Olson McPhail. He graduated from Deering High School in 1951 and Gorham State Teachers College in 1955. George advanced his education with a master’s degree plus an Advanced Certificate of Study from the University of Southern Maine.

Much of George’s career was as an educator. Early in his career, he was a school principal in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Maine. George was also the superintendent of schools at Southern Aroostook Community School District in Island Falls. He retired from Southern Maine Community College, where he was instrumental in creating the Hotel/Restaurant Management Program.

After retirement, George and his wife Shirley traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Their travel was highlighted by two summers in Alaska, where he fished for salmon daily. Throughout his life, George was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. His was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of a moose hunt in the fall of 2012 with his grandson, Dee-Jay.

George was a member of Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society, Omega Nu Epsilon Fraternity. He was a volunteer teacher for many years at the Criminal Justice Academy and a member of the Maine Innkeepers Association.

George and his wife Shirley met in the summer of 1951 while working at Sebasco Estates, a summer resort. George was able to have a second career for many summers in food service. Among the places he worked are Sea Side Inn in Seal Harbor, Rangeley Inn and Camp Kingsley in Raymond.

George enjoyed a lifetime of entertaining friends with special meals. He will be missed.

He was predeceased by a son, Jack A. McPhail of Gray; and a granddaughter.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Shirley A. Clark McPhail of Limington; daughter, Jill S. McPhail of Casco; sons, David G. McPhail of Bradford and George D. Jr. of Middlebury Vt.; his brother, John B. McPhail Jr. of Woolwich and Zephyrhills, Fla.; sisters, Janice Francis of Florida and Joan A. McPhail of Zephyrhills, Fla.; six grandchildren; a great-granddaughter, great-grandson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visiting hours were held on Friday, April 19, at the Dolby & Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State Street, Gorham, where a memorial service was held on Saturday, April 20, at 11 a.m. Private burial will be at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Limington Ambulance Services Limington Town Office, P.O. Box 240, Limington, ME 04049.