George W. Bragdon,
68, husband of Diane L. (Preston) Bragdon of Pleasant Street,
Rowley, died Tuesday, July 26, 2016 in the Merrimack Valley Hospice
House in Haverhill. His passing followed a long, valiantly fought
battle with pancreatic cancer, which was in remission until earlier
this year.
Born in Beverly on
August 14, 1947, he was the son of the late Sidney H. and Sarah C.
(Burnham) Bragdon of Essex. He was raised in Essex, where he
attended public schools, going on to graduate from Gloucester High
School and Bentley College. Following graduation
he began his career
as an auditor in the Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office. It was at
this time that he met Dianne, who would soon become his wife and
mother of their two daughters, Sarah and Rachel.
George was an active
member of Trout Unlimited. He enjoyed many hours of tying flies and
making his own rods. He also loved to garden and was always thinking
of new plants and innovative ways of gardening. George was also
active in town politics. He held a seat on the Essex Planning Board
and ran for Selectman. Following his move to Rowley in 1996, he
acquired and hand-reared a parrot that would become his devoted
companion for more than twenty years. George retired in 2009 after
more than thirty-five years of service. In retirement he was able to
pursue his interests in wildlife and photography. He was a regular
birdwatcher at the Plum Island Refuge, enjoyed fishing, and loved
being out on the water in his Whaler.
In addition to
Diane, his wife of forty-five years, he is survived by two
daughters, Sarah L. Meserve and her husband Gard, of Lexington, SC,
and Rachel E. Boynton and her husband Justin of Rowley; three
grandchildren, Anjelica LaRochelle, Elijah Boynton, Rowan Boynton
and brother-in-law, Robert Cameron, husband of George’s late
sister, Cynthia Cameron formerly of Essex. George just missed
meeting his third grandson, who is expected in September.
His funeral Service
will be held 2 pm Friday, July 29, 2016 in the Whittier-Porter
Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich followed by interment in the
Spring Street Cemetery, Essex, Family and friends are respectfully
welcomed. Visiting hours will be Thursday 4 to 7 pm.
Memorial
contributions in his name may be made to Joppa Flats Wildlife
Sanctuary, P.O. Box 1558, Newburyport, MA 01950.
