George E. Huntington

Published in the Times Argus from 6/24/2009 - 6/26/2009

BRADFORD - Tragedy struck June 19, 2009. While on his way to Burlington to help coach yet another AAU practice, George Edward Huntington, 68, died in a car accident. He was born Sept. 5, 1940, the son of Wanda (Champagne) and George C. Huntington.

He graduated from Bradford Academy in 1958 having accomplished legendary feats in athletics, namely basketball. His high school career ended with leading his team to a Class L State Championship against Ludlow scoring over 40 points. He set a new state record with 47 points scored in one game. By the end of his career, he had yet another state record, having scored 1,935 points, a record that held for nearly 25 years. Mind you, this was back when the schedules were typically 14 games and play was with a running clock and no three point shots.

He spent the coming years as follows:

1960-1962 Played professional baseball for Milwaukee Braves;

1960-1964 Plymouth State - B.S. in physical education;

1963 Married his high school sweetheart, Donna Drew of Piermont, N.H.;

1963-1965 Lions Youth Sports;

1963-1967 played professional baseball club, Coaticook, Quebec, earned an MVP Award, and was the manager in 1964;

1965-1968 assistant scout for St. Louis Cardinals;

1965-1968 assistant baseball coach Ball State University;

1964-1967 director of health and physical education, head coach varsity basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field, gymnastics for Orleans High School;

1967 director of Headstart for the Northeast Kingdom;

1967-1968 Ball State University - Graduate Assistanceship/ M.S. Physical Education;

1967 - 1972 assistant professor/Head Coach Basketball and Baseball, Lyndon State College; 1972-2009 His pilgrimage back to Bradford began during the time he was teaching and coaching at Lyndon State College. He would spend his weekends and holidays working and coaching Bradford Youths Sports in Bradford where he subsequently committed the rest of his life to raising his family, youth sports and to the growth of his beloved hometown.

His passion for community service and business grew dramatically from his love to teach and help others. His business career started in Bradford when he purchased his first piece of property which he renovated and began running a residential care home for the elderly with his mother.

There was nothing George loved more than spending time with his children and grandchildren. The void created by his absence will never be replaced. The hearts of all who knew him will forever ache.

He is survived by his brothers Henry and Hollis Huntington. His four children: Ron and Randall Huntington, Jade and Jeff Strohm and her children, Sydney, 7, and twins Rylee and Jordin, 23 months, and lastly, Jasmyn and Marc Monroe, who will welcome another Huntington child in early August.

Services will be held at Hales Funeral Home in Bradford. The viewing will be Friday the 26th from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday the 27th at 11 a.m. in the Oxbow Gymnasium. Reception to follow at the Oxbow Cafeteria.