George M. Colburn
George M. Colburn
Heaven received George Colburn on 4/19/2024 after 81 years on this Earth. George was born in Jamestown, NY; the youngest of five children born to Raymond O. Colburn, Sr. and Harriet Price Colburn. Following his graduation in 1960 from Falconer High School, George enlisted in the U. S. Army, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge three years later. After earning his degree from SUNY Alfred, George was hired by Singer A/C Mfg Co in Auburn, NY (1967-1972), quickly rising through the ranks to become a national service manager. George met and married Linda Hawley in 1968. They were married for 55 years. In October of 1971, George, Linda, and their infant daughter (Mindy) moved to Frewsburg, NY where George and his older brother, Gordon, began building a business together (Colburns’ A/C & R, Inc.). George and Linda (office manager) worked side by side for 49 years until they retired on 12/31/2020 (with Gordon retiring in 2007). On 1/1/2021, the reins were handed over to George’s son, Christopher, and Gordon’s son, Robert, who continue to carry on the Colburn legacy as 2nd generation owners of the company.
George enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching “critters” roam his yard. He loved his beagles, and he loved sharing stories and memories of his youth with his kids as they explored the woods together. In 1986, George accomplished his goal of learning to fly, earning both his private and instrument rated licenses. He loved spending time in the air flying his Piper Cherokee 235. In 2004, George was certified by Homeland Security to provide transportation to children and adults in need of urgent (or long-distance) medical care. Over several years, George selflessly donated his time, aircraft, and fuel to fly these missions for organizations such as Air Lifeline and Angel Flight Northeast.
George is survived by his wife, Linda Hawley Colburn; daughter, Melinda Colburn; son, Christopher Colburn (Karie); four grandchildren: Matthew and Ryan (Heather) Wilson, and Alyssa and Alex Colburn; a sister, Lucile Frost; two brothers: Gordon (Shirley) Colburn, and Donald (Barbara) Colburn; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother (Lois Colburn); older brother (Raymond Colburn, Jr. & wife, Barbara), nephew (Roger Clark), and brother-in-law (William Frost).
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Celebration Baptist Church in Leesburg, FL on 5/19/2024. The service will be live-streamed at 1:15 p.m. (EST) using https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bklRfZ0PiUg.
A Celebration of Life memorial with military honors will be held at the American Legion, 9 Meadow Lane, Frewsburg, NY on 5/25/2024 at 1:00 p.m. Please join us for a time of remembrance, and an opportunity to visit over a provided meal.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that anyone wishing to express their love for George, please consider making a donation to Angel Flight Northeast in George’s name @ www.angel flightne.org (click the donate button, the tribute box, and add George’s name) OR checks can be mailed to: Angel Flight NE, Lawrence Municipal Airport; 492 Sutton St. North Andover, MA 01845.