Canandaigua, N.Y: George Tillson of Ferris Hills passed away November 12, 2009 at the House of John in Clifton Springs, New York. He was 81. George was born in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada. He earned a Bacheloes Degree from McGill University and received his M.B.A. from Indiana University. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict in Military Intelligence. He retired from Mobil Chemical Co. after many years there. George truly loved being outdoors and enjoyed skiing, mountain climbing and canoeing. He was a member of the Adirondack Mountain Club as well as the Appalachian Mountain Club. Later in life he developed a passion for running. As a member of the Greater Rochester Track Club, he competed weekly in races and ran in many marathons. George was an avid numismatist and philatelist. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marsha Tillson; two children, Tom (Ellen) Tillson, and Pauline (Brandon) Kennedy; six randchildren, Alix, Jeffrey, Jacob, Madison, Hannah and Cecilia; two sisters, Nancy Tillson and Joene Tennent of Canada and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 21, at Fuller Funeral Home, 190 Buffalo Street Canandaigua. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in George's name may be made to the House of John, 14 Spring Street, Clifton Springs, N.Y. 14432 or to a charity of the donor's choice. To share a memory or express condolences on line please visit www,fullerfh.com
Published in Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on November 15, 2009
I first met George at a measurement seminar held in Columbus in 1990. A report of it (with a group photo including George) can be downloaded at
West Jeff (right-click to download)
While we both had an interest in course measurement, I later found George to have a lively interest in other subjects. We corresponded over the next 19 years. It was always a treat to receive an envelope from him because he was a stamp collector, and he festooned his letter with old postage stamps from the 1950’s. An envelope might have from 5 to 10 stamps on it, all of small denomination. It must have driven the post office crazy, but it was fun for me. He even sent me a bunch of stamps so I could do the same, and I have been doing it for years as well.
I’ll miss him. He was a good friend.
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