MOUNT VERNON – George A. Smith, of Mount Vernon, died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on Feb. 12, 2021. George was born on Oct. 15, 1948 to Ezra and Ada Smith of Winthrop. He had many fond memories of growing up in Winthrop and for the last 42 years lived in his beloved community of Mount Vernon.
George is survived by his incredibly devoted wife of 41 years, Linda (Hillier); daughter and son-in-law, Rebekah Smith and Patrick Mellor of Union, son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Kelly Smith of Bridgewater, Mass., and daughter and partner, Hilary Smith and Flavio Sanchez of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Janet Smith of East Winthrop and sister, Edie Smith of Glenburn.
George was happiest in his role of “Grampy” – whether that meant cheering at soccer games or hanging up art work. George was the proud grandfather of Addison, Vishal, Ada, and Esme as well as uncle to Devon, Erica, Nate, and Ezra. George was the author of four books and innumerable newspaper columns. He wrote about hunting, fishing, current events, and food and travel. George served as the Executive Director of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine for 18 years, relentless in his advocacy for the Maine outdoors. His passion for politics was well-known, and over the decades he forged many personal and lasting relationships across the political spectrum. George and Linda loved to travel, especially in Maine. Favorite spots included their cabin at Baxter State Park and West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, and they also enjoyed several trips to Italy. George was an insatiable reader – Maine authors were his favorite, of course. He loved singing in the choir at Readfield United Methodist Church, bird watching, and craft beer.
The family would like to give special thanks to the amazing staff at the ALS Association Northern New England Chapter and Beacon Hospice for their outstanding care and support. At this time, the family will hold a private gathering. A public celebration of George’s life may be held post-COVID. Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website at http://www.familfirstfuneralhomes.com. Friends are asked to honor George by spending time outdoors or supporting the important conservation efforts of The Kennebec Land Trust, P.O. Box 261, Winthrop, ME 04364.