ALBION – George Vance Cates, Sr., passed away on March 3, 2026, at MaineGeneral Hospital in Augusta, Maine, following a brief battle with cancer. He was born in Brunswick, Maine, August 7, 1942, to Willard Leroy Cates and Irene Belle (Wallace) Cates.

George grew up on Knox Ridge, Maine. He graduated from Unity-Freedom High School and attended one semester at BYU in Provo, Utah. In 1963, George enlisted in the Air Force and served for four years in eastern Maine.

On June 23, 1964, George married Mary Louise Johnson of Albion. They were married for 61 years and were inseparable, working together for many years. Among other places, George worked at the Wyandotte Woolen Mill and the Waterville Boys and Girls Club. George and Mary both attained their boiler licenses, and worked together for 10 years cleaning and repairing furnaces, as well as doing minor electrical and plumbing repairs for Eastside Rentals.

George enjoyed seafood – especially lobster – as well as reading, listening to music and playing his keyboard, dancing with Mary, watching TV and driving his car. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various capacities over the years.

He was predeceased by his parents, as well as his stepmother Nancy O’Brien Cates, whom he dearly loved; a half-brother, Barry Cates and stepbrother, Steven Tenney.

Survivors include his wife, Mary; stepsister, Lynn Rickett and her husband Terry, stepbrother, Brian Tenney and his wife Carol; children Ronald Cates, George Cates, Jr., Evangeline Greene and her husband John, David Cates and his wife Katrina, Jennifer Boynton and her husband Sean, Genevieve Hall and her husband Ross, and Katrina Cates. He also survived by several grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren.

A private family gathering has been planned prior to the memorial service.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Waterville.