George Hamel

WATERVILLE -- George Hamel, 79, of 6 Gilbert St., Waterville, passed away with his loving family by his side at Thayer Hospital on Sunday evening. He was born in Sanford, Maine, on Oct. 24, 1931, a son of the late Louie and Olivia (Fillion) Hamel. He graduated from St. Ignatious High School, and in 1950 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving in the Korean conflict for four years.

George married Jean L. St. Peter on May 3, 1952, and they were the light in each others' eyes for 59 years. Together they raised their three children in Waterville. George worked for the Morning Sentinel as a compositor, dedicating much of his time to work, but after his retirement in 1991 his focus changed from work to his grandchildren. To them he was a mentor, coach, fan, taxi driver, medic for bumps and scrapes and a shoulder to cry on after a loss, but more importantly of all he was Pepere, attending all of their sporting events. He was also a member of the American Legion.

George was an avid golfer, and a member of many of the local Watervile area courses, ending his golfing career at Pine Ridge. If you were on the same golf course as George, he considered you to be his friend. He was even noted for delaying his round so that he could reunite with a friend who he had spotted a few holes over. Even more impressive than his love for golf was his skill at golf. Over George's 30-plus-year golf career, he shot seven holes-in-one. He even taught and shared his knowledge of the sport in which he loved with his grandchildren.

George is survived by his wife Jean, children Michael J. and Deborah Hamel, William J. and Susan Hamel, and Karen and Peter Paradis, and grandchildren Michael, Adam, Joshua, Christopher, Nicholas and Sarah Shores. He also leaves sisters Julia Carpentier and Rose Carpentier, and a brother, Richard Hamel, and wife, Marianne.

A special thank you to all the staff at Lakewood Continuing Care Center, Skilled Unit, for all the wonderful care they showed George.

He also leaves behind a very special friend, Dr. Coach John Winkin, whom he met during his stay at Lakewood.

Also, thank you to the critical care staff at Thayer Hospital for their support of George and his family during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held at Veilleux Funeral Home today from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Notre Dame Church on Wednesday, June 1, at 11 a.m.

A service of Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville, Maine.