George Lord Selden

November 28, 1925 – November 12, 2021

On Friday, November 12, 2021, George Lord Selden, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at the age of 95.

George was born on November 28, 1925, in Andover, Massachusetts, the son of James Kirtland Selden and Anne Selden. He was raised in Andover, MA, with his sister Pat, and older brother James (“Mike”), who died in childhood. His father remarried and George was a loving brother to his sister Ruthie who continues to live in Virginia.

George’s childhood was a fascinating one. The family divided their time between homes in Washington, DC, Bennington, VT, and Montreux, Switzerland -- as it was deemed important to be bi-lingual and to develop appreciation for the larger world.

As a third generation “Phillipian”, George attended Phillips Academy, graduating in three years so he could enlist in the war effort. Serving in the Army he became a tech sergeant and was assigned to do demolition testing and training. He then served with the Navy and Army researching how well the human body performs at high altitudes, even acting as a subject in the research. As a result, he helped to prove that the human body can survive in altitudes as high as Mt. Everest, prior to Sir Edmund Hillary succeeding in that feat.

He was always focused, selfless, and driven by loftier goals to enhance the lives of those around him. He was humble and quiet about his experiences and successes, turning the focus away from himself and towards the interests and needs of others. As a child of the Depression and the War years, he, like many of his generation, believed in sacrifice and honor, but not in pursuit of awards and recognition.

After the war, George enrolled in Harvard University under the GI Bill, and graduated with the class of 1949. He also attended Harvard Business school before taking the reins of his father’s business, Methuen International Mills, as a textile manufacturer.

George met his bride-to-be, Ann Arnold, in New York City, and the couple married soon after, in 1956, near Ann’s childhood home of Hillsborough, California. They put down roots in New York where they raised their two children, Ginny and James. There, he and Ann continued to live their lives, pursuing their love of the arts, architecture and theater, attending lectures and programs that expanded their minds and awareness of the ever-changing world. George and Ann never grew tired of the energy, excitement, and richness of New York City. They spent much of their leisure time in their mountain home in the Catskills in a small community named The Onteora Club where they could ski, golf, hike and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. In Onteora, he and Ann welcomed their children and grandchildren, and George grew as a leader and advisor within the close-knit community. He exemplified dignity, humility, integrity, and selflessness. He never demanded respect but commanded it in his quiet, unassuming way. His character was defined by honesty and generosity of spirit, which left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Ginny (Virginia Selden Gray), son-in-law Taylor and their children, Sam and Seldy Gray. George is also survived by his son, James Kirtland Selden, his wife Jessica and their three boys, Charlie, Henry, and Nicholas Selden.

His beloved wife, Ann, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage, continues to live in New York City and in their home in the Catskills.

A memorial service will be held in summer, 2022, for family and friends near the couple’s summer home in The Onteora Club, near Tannersville, NY.

In his memory George would be pleased to know that all donations would be directed to All Souls Church, P.O. Box 451, Tannersville NY 12485-0451.