CAPE ELIZABETH – George “Bill” Orcutt Jr., a dedicated youth basketball coach in Cape Elizabeth, who also was active in South Portland High’s football and basketball boosters, died on Wednesday. He was 85.

Mr. Orcutt coached thousands of kids during his 30 years as director of Cape Elizabeth’s youth basketball program. He started the program in 1964, teaching basketball on Saturday mornings to boys and girls in 2nd through 5th grades.

A son, Donald Orcutt of South Portland, said on Friday that kids looked up to his dad.

“He was like a father to so many kids in Cape,” he said. “He gave to this community through sports. He loved the kids. He would follow these kids right through high school and would go to their college games around here.”

Another son, William Orcutt of South Portland, said his father was a fair coach, who gave everyone a chance to play and rooted for the underdog.

William said his father was his mentor growing up, remembering the trophy his dad gave him one year for Christmas. He said the trophy always reminded him to be a strong team player.

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“He was an awesome father,” said William, the oldest of his five children. “He was there to support us in everything we did. He was very encouraging.”

Mr. Orcutt grew up in Quincy, Mass. At age 17, he enlisted in the Navy and served during World War II. He was assigned to the aircraft group on the USS Hornet in the South Pacific. He spent 22 months in aerial combat, with 204 missions as a gunner in the back of the Avenger aircraft. Their actions were in The Philippines, Formosa and Iwo Jima.

He was married to Jean Orcutt for 62 years. The couple moved to Cape Elizabeth in 1964.

Shortly after, he dug into a hill on the side of his house and built a half-basketball court. He later dug a hole by hand to build a swimming pool.

John Casey, assistant principal at Cape Elizabeth Middle School, remembered hanging out at the Orcutt house as a kid. Casey said on Friday that Mr. Orcutt had a profound impact on his life and helped pave the way for him to become who he is today.

“He never gave up on me. He inspired me and encouraged me,” Casey said. “Bill was and really became my second father. He has been that person for me my whole life. The man meant everything to me.”

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Mr. Orcutt worked as a salesman for AMP Industries for 20 years. He earned many top sales awards throughout his career. He retired at age 65.

Around 1993, he got involved in South Portland High School sports and was active in the football and basketball booster programs. He was a dedicated seller of 50-50 raffle tickets at games and helped organize other fund-raisers. He was often seen watching practices and encouraging players.

For many years, he helped build the bonfire for the Battle of the Bridge rally, and was active in the South Portland Quarterback Club.

Donald Orcutt said his father enjoyed watching his grandson Danny Orcutt play for the Red Riots. He said he took his father to every game over the past couple of years.

“He loved going. He loved watching the kids play,” his son said.

His full obituary will appear in Sunday’s paper.

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com

 


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