In Memoriam

Subpages
Related Pages
Links
Files
Photo Albums
 
image

Past District Governor George Cashman 1925-2006

December 29, 2006 marked the passing of George A. Cashman, PDG, father, Rotarian, community leader, and friend. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. George leaves Rosemary, his wife of 58 years, nine children and sixteen grandchildren.

George joined the Rotary Club of Newburyport in 1953 and was justly proud, not only of his 53 years of perfect attendance, but also of his 53 years of continuous Rotary service. He served his club as Treasurer from 1954-1956, as President in 1957-1958, and, for the next fifty years, continued to serve at one time or another on every club committee. Predictably, the Membership and Foundation Committees were dearest to his heart. George was the wise patriarch of the Newburyport club. In the words of President Kate Kelly, “We could call George with any question and he would always have the answer.”

After serving as District Treasurer from 1965-1967, George went on to become District Governor for the 1994-1995 Rotary year. Subsequently, he served as Chairman of The District Scholarship Committee, Chairman of The District World Community Service Committee and Chairman of the District Membership Committee.

While continuing to take an active role in his club and in the district, George simultaneously served as chairman of over thirty city, county and state committees for over fifty years. He remained dedicated to his alma mater, Holy Cross College, and, for many years, served as director of the Alumni Association. In fact, people who knew George are fond of saying, “He never met a committee that he didn’t like.”

George was a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and, in 2006, George was recognized by Vincente Giay, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, for his generosity to The Rotary Foundation, his commitment to the ideals of Rotary and his dedication to Rotary’s humanitarian efforts throughout the world. George received The Rotary International Presidential Citation in 2001 and Newburyport has recognized his service through the Club President’s Citation and the Four Avenues of Service Award. 

In 1972, George wrote to President Nixon and RI President Hickman to promote the idea that Rotary clubs be founded in Russia and China in order to promote better world understanding. Years later, his dream was realized. 

George was a man of wit, wisdom and vision, and his life embodied the spirit of a great Rotarian: a devoted father, a dedicated citizen, a tireless leader, and a loyal friend.