George Raymond Whitney

George Raymond Whitney, 76, passed away on Monday, June 10, at Copley Hospital, with his loving family by his side. George was born on June 29, 1942 in Lyndonville to Milly (Lenton) Whitney and Harold C. Whitney.

George attended school in St. Johnsbury and graduated from the St. Johnsbury Trade School in 1961. He married Ruby M. Bumps on September 14, 1963 and they made their home in St Johnsbury, VT.

George held many jobs over the years; working for The Radio Shop in New Hampshire, where he first met Ruby, Reliance Electric, St. Johnsbury Cable TV, and Wes Calderwood Funeral Home. He started his law enforcement career with the St. Johnsbury Police department in 1964 and was a part-time Game Warden during hunting season. He also worked for Caledonia Sheriff's Department transporting prisoners. George and Ruby, along with their children, moved to Hardwick in May 1968, where he was the Chief of Police until December 1972, at which time he became a Vermont State Liquor Investigator for The Department of Liquor Control until his retirement in December 2004. George currently worked for Holcomb des Groseilliers funeral home.

George was a very active man in the community. He was a lifetime member of the Hardwick Kiwanis Club and was the longest serving New England District Administrator of Key Club International. George was a past commander of Sons of The American Legion Post 7. He was also a member of Vermont IAABO, serving a term as president. He was a high school baseball umpire, serving as the commissioner for several years, and was active in the Hardwick Area Little League. He was active member of the Vermont Police Association holding several different positions on the board. He was an instructor for cadets at the Vermont Police Academy. George served on the board of The Governor’s Highway Safety Association. He also spent many years on the Hardwick Rescue Squad, the Hardwick area school boards, and the Board of Civil Authority. He was a Justice of Peace, and served on the Hardwick Cemetery Committee and was a member of the Barre Elks 1535. He received many awards and much recognition through his life, I guess it could be said “you name it, he did it". He was a very humble man who always wore a little smirk on his face.

Some of his hobbies at a young age included driving a race car at the Waterford Race Track & Thunder Road International Speedbowl and participating in the Hardwick Men's Softball league.  Most recently, George enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in many sports and community events.

George is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ruby Whitney of Hardwick, his children, Timothy Whitney and wife Jennifer of Hardwick, Lori (Whitney) Major and husband Kevin of Barre, Angie Whitney and partner Lucas Molleur of East Hardwick, his grandchildren, Andrew Whitney and wife Mariah, Adam Whitney, and Alyssa Whitney, all of Hardwick, Cody Carlson and fiancé Ashley Collins of Barre, Samuel Major and Maxwell Major, both of Rutland, Amber Foster and husband Zachary of East Calais, Amanda Nash and husband Colby of Greensboro, Shyler Thompson and partner Riley Tobin of Jeffersonville, and his great-grandchildren, Jameson, Coltyn, Kearsten, Payten, Noah, Allie, Nevaeh, Kinslee, Lennix, Laycie, Elijah, and Lettie.

George, the oldest of eight, leaves his siblings Bryce Whitney and wife Marion of Morrisville, Russell Whitney and wife Helen of North Andover, MA, Ruth Marceau and husband Glendon of Peacham, Debbie Ruggles and husband Roland of Lyndonville, Patti Hatch of Groton, Nikki Young and husband Ronald of St. Johnsbury, Wendi Wilson and husband Dennis of North Concord and stepsister, Diana Gray of Concord. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Harold C. Whitney, mother, Milly (Lenton) Whitney, stepmother, Maidene Whitney, and stepsister Joanne Croteau.

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation hours and memorial service on Saturday, June 22, both of which are located at Hazen Union High School, 126 Hazen Union Drive, Hardwick. The visitation hours are from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m with the memorial service, officiated by Rev. Evelyn Lavelli, beginning at 12:15 with a private burial to immediately follow the service. A celebration of George’s life will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Knight's of Columbus, 206 VT Route 14, Hardwick. The des Groseilliers Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Condolences and memories may be conveyed to the family at dgfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the George R Whitney Scholarship Fund c/o Hardwick Kiwanis Club, PO Box 856 Hardwick, VT 05843 or the Hardwick Rescue Squad, PO Box 837 Hardwick, VT 05843.

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