Obituary of George L. Persons

Bakers Mills: George L. Persons, 72, of Sodom Cross Road, passed away peacefully, Friday, April 20, 2012 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer with his loving family at his side. Born March 8, 1940 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Charles and Mary (Piper) Persons. George was a lifelong resident of the area, growing up on the family farm and graduated from Johnsburg Central High School. He married Martha Oathout on July 22, 1962 and the couple resided and raised their family in the Bakers Mills area. George began his working years alongside his grandfather, Gordon Leroy Persons, building bridges in the hamlet of North Creek. He went on to graduate from Welding School, working briefly at Barton Mines, construction of Hunt Brothers, A short period with his father at National Lead, before retiring from Finch Pryne Paper Co. in Glens Falls after 31 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, George enjoyed the last eight years working at the Gore Mt. Ski Center. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending time with his family at his camp, he built with his sons in Indian Lake, snowmobiling, four wheeling, and riding his Kawasaki mule. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s activities and events. Besides his parents, his brother, Howard and grandson, Nicholas have both predeceased him. Survivors include his wife, Martha of 50 years, his seven children, Josie Fish and her husband, Kenneth of North Creek, Eric Persons and his wife, Catherine of Warrensburg, Douglas Persons and his wife, Lisa of Warrensburg, Sara Otruba and her husband, Jeffrey of S. Glens Falls, Jason Persons and his wife, Penny of North Creek, Todd Persons of Minerva, Justin Persons of Johnsburg; 11 grandchildren, Scott, Michael, Thomas, Rebecca, Rachel, Jeremy, Joel, Amanda, Kaleb, Emily, and Christopher; 3 great grandchildren, Audrey, James and Claire; four siblings, Elizabeth LaBarge, Patricia LaBarge, David and Charles Persons; one uncle, Gordon Persons and his wife, Lucy; several nieces, nephews and cousins and his special friend, Richard Stewart; his three dogs, Gus, Luc and Sami. Friends may call from 1 to 3 pm, Friday, April 27 at the Sodom Community Church, Johnsburg. A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow the visitation at 3 pm with Pastor Ron Allen officiating. A reception and time of fellowship will follow at the Scout Hall. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the North Country Hardship Fund, PO Box 101, North River, NY 12856, Ronald McDonald House or the Pediatric Unit of Albany Medical Center. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences and directions.