George Slocum Huntington, 55, died of pancreatic cancer in Laramie, Wyo., on Aug. 14, 2014. He spent the short time between his diagnosis and passing surrounded by family and friends, who came from near and far to support George’s family and celebrate his friendship.

George was born in Bath, Maine, on Oct. 25, 1958, grew up in Harpswell, Maine, and attended West Harpswell Elementary School, Waynflete School, and Mt. Ararat High School, graduating in 1977. After spending a year in New Zealand with his family in 1977-78 he attended Dartmouth College, where he majored in geology and graduated in 1982. He eventually earned a second undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Wyoming, and was employed by the University of Wyoming at the time of his death.

While George was recognized from childhood for his bright mind, it was clear from the time he started kindergarten that his biggest pleasure in life was other people, and a classmate observed that “George is everyone’s best friend.” Following a strong Huntington family tendency, George took his time settling down, but without fail, friends from childhood through his post-college years recall his openhearted acceptance and welcoming spirit. His home could always make room for a new roommate, and many of his friendships formed simply because his door was always open to people who just needed a calm, nonjudgmental place to go. While living on Whidbey Island, outside of Seattle, George helped to foster several struggling teenagers, and eventually settled in Laramie to provide family support after the death of his uncle, Fred Slater, in 1987.

George was a curious and motivated soul with many interests. He was a strong athlete who loved downhill skiing, ice hockey and playing soccer, and was a dedicated Laramie Youth Soccer referee for many years. He was also an accomplished musician and photographer, and a prolific gardener.

In 2010, George married Anne Marie Powell, of Laramie, and adopted her daughter Sophie. Their second child, Sam, was born in 2011; both children display the same outgoing humor, intelligence, and sense of mischief that drew their parents to each other. He also leaves behind his parents, Charles and Louise Huntington of Harpswell, Maine; a brother, Bill Huntington, of Hope, Maine; and sisters Kate Gray, her husband Bill and their daughter Celeste of Bowdoinham, Maine, and Sarah Huntington, her husband Michael Bradley and their daughters Veda and Madrona of Olympia, Wash.; an uncle and aunt, Clarke and Helen Slater, of Ebchester, England; and cousins Ben Slater of Laramie, Wyo., Jessica Slater of Oak Park, Ill., Martha Slater of Cincinnati, Marlis Slater of Laramie, George and John Deming of Hamden, Conn., a cousin by marriage, Katharine Goodbody, of New Haven, Conn., and many loving friends in locations far and wide.

A family service will be conducted by Rev. John Carson.

Memorial contributions can be made to a college fund that has been established for George’s children. Checks can be made out to Anne Marie Huntington, and should be sent with a letter of intent to Pamela Burgess at the UniWyo Federal Credit Union, 1610 E. Reynolds St., Laramie WY 82072.