George L. Whitney

PORTLAND - George L. Whitney, 96, of Portland was called home by our Lord unexpectedly on August 9, 2013 with his family by his side. He was born July 25, 1917 the son of Albert and Mildred Fuller Whitney, of Revere Street, Portland. George met the love of his life at St. Mary's Church in Falmouth, Maine where he was organist. At the time Dorothy Merrill sang in the church choir. Love at first sight brought on a two year courtship before the married in 1951. Over the years George made numerous appearances at the Merrill Auditorium as the featured artist performing on the Kotzschmar organ. Two books written on the history on this famous organ recognized his contributions as a gifted musician. He was a member of the American Guild of Organists where he had a stage presence in Denver, Colorado at the AGO national convention. His higher education included Guimond Organ School in New York City where he graduated 2nd in his class. Upon graduating, he was drafted into the army. George was very proud of his 5 years of service to our country during World War II as a Classifying Assigning personnel specialist. Bowdoin College was his next adventure where he completed a 4 year college degree in two years graduating cum laude with a BS in Philosophy. While at Bowdoin College, George also had the responsibility and pleasure of being the college organist. He was self-employed as a teacher of piano and organ and also spent many years teaching at USM in Gorham and ar Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine. George was greatly respected by his fellow peers for his knowledge and skills as an organist and choir director. Every day in the Whitney household was enjoyed by George sharing his passion and professionalism in the area of classical music. His daily practicing was often accompanied by Dorothy singing. It became a family treasure to listen and learn! Many in the Portland area will miss his other passion of driving his old Mercedes-Benz car for which he was known. The 3 MB's he would own each was driven over 20 years. His 1966 was on the road and driven daily for over 26 years. He was church organist at numerous churches in the area over the years including Trinity Episcopal Church in Portland, St. Mary's the Virgin in Falmouth, State Street Church in Portland, Holy Martyrs Church in Falmouth and Holy Family Church in Lisbon Falls. He was predeceased by a brother, General Edwin F. Whitney, and a sister, Barbara Anne Whitney. Surviving are his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy Whitney, sons, Timothy Whitney and Thomas Whitney, grandson, Alexander Whitney and wife Shaunna Whitney, and nephew Kenneth C. Whitney and wife Judith Harper of New York. Family and friends are welcome to attend graveside prayers at the Pine Grove Cemetery, Route 88, Falmouth at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14.Arrangements are being handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, MaineOnline condolences may be expressed below.