VASSALBORO – George H. Bourassa, of South Central Vassalboro died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, Nov. 15, at the age of 85.

Born in Rumford, Maine, George was the son of the late George E. Bourassa and Margaret Romano Bourassa. He graduated from Stephens High School in 1954 and was proud to be a member of the Stephens 1953 Class A football championship team.

George had a deep commitment to serve his country and the State of Maine. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard and attended Army ROTC while pursuing a degree in Forestry at the University of Maine, Orono. He spent college summers on a timber crew in the Lassen National Forest and at the Rast Farm in Vermont. Upon graduation from UMO in 1958, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and served with the 1st BG 5th Cav Division in Korea. He would serve over 30 years of military service, retiring in 1996 with the Coast Guard Reserve, Rockland, Maine.

Upon return from Korea in 1960, George married Dorothy Dettloff of Kittery and began his Forestry career with Eastern Pulpwood Co., Calais, Maine. He was a sales rep for Timberland Machines and Aetna Life & Casualty, Bangor, Maine. He began his service to the state of Maine as a tax examiner, and, in 1974, joined the Department of Conservation as a Forester. He would hold several roles in the Maine Forest Service to include Director of Forest Fire Control and Forest Management Division. He also served the State of Maine for over 30 years, retiring in 2002, and epitomized the essence of leadership and forest stewardship for many to emulate.

George was most at home on the tractor at the farm, cutting firewood, mending and building stone walls, and tending gardens. He enjoyed bass fishing, British comedies, and travel. He and Dorothy enjoyed 24 cruises around the Caribbean during retirement. He enjoyed the company of friends and relatives near and from away. A special tip of the cap goes to friends and neighbors Blaine & Mary White.

George was predeceased by his brother Greg. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Dorothy; his son Matthew Bourassa of Bangor and his wife Jody; as well as grandsons, Blake, Jack, and Trey.

Friends and relatives are invited to an informal celebration of his life that will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 27, from 11 to 3 p.m. at the Bourassa residence, 213 Seaward Mills Road, Vassalboro.

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