George was born on October 20, 1944 in Beverly, Massachusetts to Salma M. & George S. Cann and was subsequently raised in Hamilton, MA. He was preceded in death by both parents. He died on March 10, 2021 and is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jacqué. He had no children.
At 6 years old, George contracted polio and spent several weeks in an iron lung. After recovering, he continued on in school, graduating from Hamilton-Wenham Regional HS in 1963. That was the first class to graduate from the new high school.
While growing up, George was active in many clubs at school & church. He served as an acolyte for many years at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Beverly where he had the unique opportunity to meet Henry Cabot Lodge at Christmas services. In addition, George was an active member of Fidelity Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He is proud to hold his Chapter’s record for the most Merit Bars earned. After a few years, he was knighted into the White Mountain Priory in Portsmouth, NH.
After graduation, George enlisted in the US Air Force, which curtailed his activities in church & DeMolay. After a short tour at Shaw AFB, SC, he received orders for Vietnam. He was one of the first 300 USAF personnel to construct the large support runway at Camranh Bay. Upon returning to the States, he left active duty, but served 2 years in the Air National Guard. While in Epping, NH, he became the Post Chaplain for Post #51. He returned to the Air Force and served in Germany, Colorado & England, among others. After 20 years, he retired out of the Air Force Academy in 1987. His favorite assignment was Germany, as he was able to indulge his love of history & travel. He was able to assist on many Rhine River cruises & castle tours for Americans. The military decoration he received that meant the most to him was the RVN Cross of Gallantry.
While in the Air Force, George also attended college & military school courses. He earned a total of 3 degrees over the years – 1 BS in Business & 2 Associates Degrees.
George met his first wife when he was stationed in Germany. They divorced after returning to the States. After returning to Colorado Springs on his last duty tour, he met Jacqué when he joined the Order of the Amaranth. Because of their unique ties to it, they were the first couple allowed to marry in the Egyptian Room at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center.
After retiring from the AF, George worked for AAFES at Peterson AFB and then at the AF Academy. He worked for them for 17 years. He also became a life member of the VFW, Cheyenne Mountain Post #391 and supported many of their activities.
George’s many hobbies & interests over the years included bowling, camping, traveling, sight-seeing, geology, paleontology & philately (postage stamp collecting). While on adventures in Germany, he found a snail fossil & a Roman night light which he donated to a German museum. He also played the guitar when he was younger. While stationed at Shaw AFB, he was in a band – they came in Second in the Command talent show.
One of George’s great passions in life was the Masonic Family, and he was active in many organizations over the years. His 2 maternal uncles were Masons and they introduced him to DeMolay, which started him on his Masonic career. Here is a brief synopsis of his involvement:
DeMolay: Fidelity Chapter, Beverly, MA – joined in 1959. In addition to the Merit Award record, he also earned the Blue Honor Key, RD, and Hats Off awards.
Priory: White Mountain Priory of NH – knighted in 1962.
Freemason: Fountain Valley Lodge #191, where he received all 3 degrees in 1983. He served as WM in 1998. He transferred to Colorado Springs Lodge #76 in 2003. He joined Research Lodge of Colorado in 1995, where he was a life member.
Scottish Rite: member of Southern Colorado Consistory. He served as Master of Kadosh in 1996, Wise Master of Rose Croix in 2004, Commander of Kadosh in 2016 and was on his way to serve as Venerable Master.
Scottish Rite Research Lodge: life member.
York Rite: life member of all 3 Colorado Springs bodies. He served as Excellent High Priest in 2005, Thrice Illustrious Master in 2007 and Eminent Commander in 2006. He received the KYCH honors in 2011.
Shriners: joined Al Kaly Shrine in 1991 via the ‘Hot Sands.’ He was a member of the Past Masters Unit.
Allied Masonic Degrees: life member of Gofannin Council #315. He served as SM.
Colorado Knight Masons: life member of Kincora Council #8.
High 12: member of Chapter #513. He served as President in 2016-17. He also served as State President in 2019-20.
Amaranth: joined Pikes Peak Court #20 in 1988. He was a life member and served as Royal Patron 5 times. He was a Charter Member of Violett Court #22 in Pueblo. He also held many grand offices over the years.
Sojourners: joined in 2016 and was a life member of Pikes Peak #293.
Sword of Bunker Hill: joined Columbine #118 in 2003 and was a life member.
Royal Order of Scotland: knighted in 2002. He was a life member.
Youth Group Advisor:
DeMolay - Colorado Springs Chapter.
Job’s Daughters – Bethel #23, Colorado Springs.
The memorial service will be held at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center on Sunday, April 18th at 2 PM. Those wishing to attend need to RSVP to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation (mail checks to c/o Pat Hayter, GS, 11315 Franklin St., Northglenn, CO 80233-6292) or RiteCare (http://www.scottishritefoundation.org/SRF_Gifts.html) or Shriner’s Hospitals (https://lovetotherescue.org/
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