George H. Bent, 89 years young, passed away peacefully on March 11 after a short stay at Elmwood Center in Claremont, NH.
He was born in Clinton, MA, to Charles and Grace Bent on May 16, 1931. He is survived by his loving life partner, Judy Cabell of Claremont, NH; his two daughters, Karen (Bent) Salem of Annapolis, MD; and Joanne Bent of Oakland, CA; and his brother, Donald Bent of Sunapee NH; three grandchildren, Charles Salem, of Philadelphia, PA: Grace Salem of Glen Burnie MD; and Alexandra Salem of Portland, OR.
George grew up in Lynn, MA, and later attended high school at Classical High School in Springfield, MA. He attended University of New Hampshire and graduated in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in history. He served in the Air Force for two years after graduation and retired as a Captain.
George pursued the profession of education. He started his career in San Francisco at a private high school. He then moved to Keene, NH, where he taught at Wheelock Elementary school for several years. George and his two daughters moved to Claremont in 1964; he became a principal at Cornish Elementary School in Cornish, NH. He eventually became a teaching principal at both North Street and Bluff Elementary school. His final teaching job was at Way School in Claremont where he taught 3rd grade for many years until he retired in 1993.
George was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Claremont and sang in the church choir for many years. He was an active member of the Ashley Players Theater group in the 1970’s and 80’s.
All types of sports were an integral part of George’s life. He was a diehard fan of all Boston team sports, especially the Red Sox and Bruins. He loved playing, tennis, badminton, skating, and skiing. He was a hockey player during high school and college. He especially loved hiking and camping in White Mountains with his family and friends.
George was a writer of beautiful poetry and enjoyed all kinds of music from Bach to the Beatles. He loved to read books on history and the Sunday New York Times. He rarely missed and episode of Jeopardy.
George loved to travel and visited England and Europe several times. He enjoyed adventures in yard sale-ing and flea markets with his beloved partner, Judy, often getting up at 5 am to sell treasures. George cherished cats, especially, Sadie, who predeceased him.
Our wonderful George will be very greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a very humble, kind, gentle and loving man. He always had such a positive attitude and love of life. His quiet sense of humor would always bring a smile to your face.
There will be a celebration of George’s life this summer at a date to be determined, when we are all vaccinated against COVID-19.
In lieu of flowers, donations may to the Sullivan County Humane Society (SCHS), 14 Tremont St., PO Box 11, Claremont, NH 03743.
Condolences to George’s family may be made in an online guestbook at https://www.stringerfh.com
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