HOUTZDALE – Funeral details have been announced for long-time State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D, of Houtzdale, who died Friday afternoon at his home with family by his side. He was 89.
Friends will be received from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday at Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home of Houtzdale.
An additional viewing will be held from 9 a.m. Monday until the time of services at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Father Paul Bigelow officiating.
George was a Pennsylvania state representative for Centre and Clearfield counties. He was born Dec. 23, 1927 in Houtzdale, Clearfield County, and the son of the late Jacob and Emily (Sahlaney) George
He graduated from the Houtzdale High School in 1944. George was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy until receiving an honorable discharge.
He married the love of his life, the former Edna Mae Brobeck. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Aug. 29.
George started his working career as a heavy equipment operator. He was a life-time member of Operating Engineers Local 66.
He later helped operate his family business, Jacob George Ford Sales in Houtzdale. He was also the PennDOT District 2-0 administrative officer at Clearfield.
He began his political career as a member of Houtzdale Borough Council and was elected mayor in 1965, a position that he was re-elected to in 2011.
George was elected as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 74th Legislative District in 1974. He was reelected for 19 consecutive terms, serving for 38 years and retiring in 2012.
His dedication to his constituents became legendary in Clearfield County. The annual “Bud George Day” Picnic grew to become a large and heartfelt gathering attended by young and old alike, as well as both Democratic and Republican supporters.
He held the distinction of being one of the longest serving legislators in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the longest in Clearfield County.
As a legislator, George was a fierce protector of the environment and his district. He sponsored legislation for water conservation and local economic development.
During the 1990’s, he authored much of the recycling legislation affecting every Pennsylvania community. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board, the Wildlife Conservation Board and PENNVEST.
He was chairman of the House Conservation Committee and later the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Well-known for his tough style to champion the needs of working families, small business operators and retired citizens, he secured state funding for the creation of the Lock Haven University’s Clearfield Campus, SCI Houtzdale and the Clearfield Wal-Mart.
George stated at his final speech as a representative, “next to my family, I loved this job most.”
“It is sad to hear of the passing of Rep. Camille George,” said Clearfield County Commissioner Mark. B. McCracken.
“I’m sure he would want us to remember that he was always a strong voice for the people he represented and his first priority was to make communities throughout the Moshannon Valley better.
“We will keep his wife, Edna, and the George family in our thoughts and prayers.”
George was a member of the American Legion Post 591 in Houtzdale and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6321 in Janesville.
In addition to his beloved wife, Edna, he is survived by his children, Nina (Tom) Booth of Sparta, NJ; Candace Lane of Houtzdale; Kim (Andrew) Scott of Stafford, Va.; Edmond (Danya) of Moorestown, NJ; and Susan George of Hershey.
He is survived by his nine grandchildren, Patrick Booth, Jamie Brenneman, Jordan Lane Akl (Mo), Meghan Booth Aughenbaugh (Greg), Christian George, Madison Goas, Alexandra George, Bradley Scott and Brooklyn Scott.
He is also survived by brothers, Edmond (Joanne) of Houtzdale, Dr. William (Donna) George of Harvey, La., and numerous nieces and nephews
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Faye Summers and his son, Jacob. Known fondly as “Uncle Bud,” he was loved by all.
George will be laid to rest in the I.O.O.F cemetery in Brisbin with graveside military honors accorded by the Houtzdale American Legion Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Camille “Bud” George Memorial Scholarship Fund, Lock Haven University School of Nursing, Clearfield Campus, 201 University Dr., Clearfield, PA 16830.
The Birger A. Freeberg Funeral Home of Houtzdale is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to family here.