CORNISH- George Lair—a husband, a father, a grandfather and a friend to so many, passed away in his home in Cornish, ME on October 28, 2025, after a decades long battle with Multiple Sclerosis and a more recent and more devastating diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
It’s difficult to summarize the life of our dad—and those of us who knew him would know that he wouldn’t want to be summarized in a few short sentences—he would rather have us gathered together and tell embellished stories about his life adventures. From a manager of a Rolls-Royce Dealership in NYC; a pub-owner in Waitsfield, VT; manager and operator of Hope Island in Casco Bay; owner and operator of Jasper’s Restaurant in Limerick & Cornish, ME; handcrafted Butt Board-maker, made from Sacopee Bleachers; and wheeler and dealer of hand-picked rugs from his front yard on Main Street and later at Lily’s Flower Shop—are just a few of his life’s escapades.
More important than any job he had, or business he created, was his love for his family. He has always been our—his three daughters’ (Krista, Jennifer, and Stephanie)—biggest supporter. We have been coached, advised, tormented and loved faithfully while we have embarked on our own series of life’s adventures. The love for our mom—his wife of 57 years, Diane—was evident to anyone who has known them. The relationship he created with his grandchildren—Ella, Sawyer, Zoe, and Maya—was one any grandchild would be envious of. He loved the countless dogs who came and went throughout our lives, but he loved Luigi most—his faithful companion who always sensed the progress Dad’s disease was making in his body. Finally, he loved the people who weren’t related by blood, but who he brought under his wings to provide guidance, love, and laughter. These are too many to name— we are confident you all know who you are and the impact Dad made on your lives, and hope you recognize the impact you each had on his.
We will be having a “Bon Voyage” gathering at a later date to honor Dad’s life—the date is still to be determined. All who loved him will be welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please, please consider donating to Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Bonney Memorial Library, or Southern Maine Hospice. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home website, www.mainefuneral.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish, www.mainefuneral.com