George Barclay Beckner

George B. Beckner, 93, of Princeton, Mass., passed away peacefully on August 16. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, he will be missed by all who knew him.

Born on October 11, 1931, in Bolton, Mass., George was the oldest son of Royce Otis and Winifred Ellenora (Thrush) Beckner and brother to Theodore, Joseph, and Rose.

George had a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer and was one of Digital Equipment Corp.’s earliest employees, retiring in 1992. George enjoyed the many road trips that he and his wife, Dorothy, took across the United States and into Canada. Their trips to Alaska were particularly memorable for him. He took great pride and care in being a husband, father, and friend, and was particularly passionate about his love for airplanes, having restored and flown many different types. He also enjoyed farming and inviting family and friends to visit his cows and garden and share in the fresh foods from it. He was a devoted member and leader within the Seventh Day Adventist Church and was instrumental in the building of churches in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

George is survived by his wife of 71 years, Dorothy, his sons Russell (Sharlene), Timothy (Cindy), Alan (Christine), Kenneth, and Theodore (Lauri), as well as 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his siblings Joseph and Rose Bates. He was preceded in death by his brother, Theodore.

Private services will be held at Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home in Winchendon, Mass. Burial in the Northwest Cemetery, Flat Rock Road, Petersham, Mass.