We are sad to report that we have lost a significant part of Alden Camps. 

This link will be available indefinitely, enter "Putnam, George" to access his life history and photographs: http://www.mem.com

If anyone has photographs, movies or stories they would like to share we would be happy to accept them.

George C. Putnam

1913-2008

George Charles Putnam, beloved family man, wily cribbage player, classical music aficionado, and witty storyteller, passed away Sunday, March 9^th in Naples, Florida after a short illness.  A resident of Hallowell, Maine, George had traveled to Florida on vacation.  He passed away surrounded by family and friends with the music of J.S. Bach playing in the background.  He was 95.

The son of Alice Dempsey Putnam and James Russell Putnam, George was born January 28, 1913 in Waterbury, Connecticut.  He graduated from Colby College in 1934.  At Colby College, George played center on the varsity football team and was a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.  He received his master’s degree in chemical engineering from MIT in 1936.  He had a successful career in oil refinery design while living in Westfield, New Jersey.  George and his wife then operated the summer resort, Alden Camps in Oakland, Maine, for almost 40 years.  George was a gracious host and a favorite of guests and staff alike.  He was infamous for telling his “Worm Joke” to vacationers during weekly lobster bakes.

George met the love of his life, Vesta Louisa Alden, while they were both students at Colby College.  They were married on October 9, 1937 in Westfield, New Jersey and raised five children.  George and Vesta were travel companions and sweethearts for over 70 years.  They were always up for a competitive game of cribbage, an adventure across the globe or splitting a delicious dessert.  George and Vesta spent over 35 winters in Hawaii visiting family, walking the beach, and enjoying life together.

A lifelong lover of music, George played the trumpet while growing up and later the French horn.  He had a passion for collecting clocks and antiques, wearing Hawaiian print shirts, and attending concerts.  George was active in the Colby Alumni Association, Rotary Club, and on the board of the Coburn Classical Institute.  He was an enthusiastic supporter of Colby College.

George is survived by his wife, Vesta.  He is also survived by his daughter Elizabeth and her husband Jon Hinebauch of Colorado, daughter Priscilla and her husband Steven Minkel of Virginia, daughter Dr. Deborah Putnam and her husband Robert Laguens of Hawaii, daughter Carol Putnam and her husband Peter Akraboff of California, and son Dr. James Putnam and his wife Michele of Maine.  Adored by his 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, George was known for his huge hugs and entertaining bedtime stories.

George was predeceased by his older sister, Mabel.

A celebration of life will be held in Colby College’s Lorimer Chapel at a future date.  Memorial donations in honor of George Putnam may be made to the Music At Colby program or the Colby College football team c/o Colby College, 4345 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, Maine 04901 and the Pierre Monteux Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 457, Hancock, Maine 04640.

George loved life, his family and a good, steaming plate of lobster.