CAPE ELIZABETH – George Montpelier, who generously gave back to his community, died on Sunday, less than two months after suffering a debilitating stroke. He was 81.

He was a beloved member of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and eucharistic minister. He was also active in the Knights of Columbus, which sponsored events for the parish.

Kathy Williamson, a longtime neighbor who serves as pastoral life coordinator, described him Wednesday as a quiet yet friendly guy, who greeted people at the door and got to know many parishioners.

“He was a constant presence here,” Williamson said. “George was part of a generation of people who are very committed to Christ and the church. You can see that in the way they make themselves available. He had a solid faith and I think people were inspired by that.”

He was a loving husband for 55 years to Elizabeth Montpelier. He is also survived by a son, Mark Montpelier, of Saco.

He was remembered by his wife on Wednesday as a kind, joyful and good-natured man, who deeply loved his family and the community.

His wife reminisced early Wednesday about the day she met her husband. Her brother set them up on a blind date to her senior prom.

“I thought he was the nicest fellow,” she recalled. “He wasn’t the type that got fresh. He was kind and thoughtful. He bought me the most beautiful yellow corsage to wear to the formal.”

It was the start of a relationship that stood the test of time.

After graduating from Norway High School in 1948, he went on to the Air Force and served during the Korean War. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant.

They got married shortly after he was discharged from the service.

Friends say she called him by his middle name, Arthur.

She said they shared a fun life together. She talked about their trips to Bermuda, the Canadian Rockies and the Bahamas. One of their favorite places to visit was Williamsburg, Va., where they had many friends and spent a month each year.

“A lot of people go to Florida. I call that God’s waiting room,” his wife said. “We went on a lot of nice trips. We had more fun. We would laugh and giggle. We had a happy life.”

The couple also enjoyed going out to dinner.

Mr. Montpelier had a close relationship with his son and enjoyed playing cribbage with his granddaughter.

With his wife, he was active in the community.

He was a founding member of the Cape Elizabeth Lion’s Club and remained active in the service organization for more than 50 years. He was past president, secretary and served on the club’s board of directors.

For many years, Mr. Montpelier helped organize the town’s annual Family Fun Day.

Boyd Lunney, a longtime friend and member of the club, said he was dedicated to the club and well-liked by its members

“He always had a smile and a handshake for everyone,” Lunney said. “He was a gentleman, a real gentleman.I’ll miss him.”

Mark Fleming, president of the Lion’s Club, noted that the Montpeliers attended most of the organization’s fundraising events.

“George had a great attitude,” Fleming said. “To some of the younger members, George was someone we looked up to and respected. He was always a good guy to be around. He had a really great sense of humor.”

“I’ll miss him sitting in his blue chair in the living room,” his wife said, crying. “When I walked in, he would ask me about my day. I cry a lot. He was so good.”

 

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at mcreamer@pressherald.com

 

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