George Whipps

ATHOL - George Whipps, of Batchelder Road, passed away at home on February 15th surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer. He joins his beloved wife Polly of over 50 years, who predeceased him two years ago this month. Born in San Bernardino, California on December 5, 1939, George was the son of George L. and Betty Whipps. The youngest of three children, he was both bright and introspective. Growing up he lived in San Bernardino, Athol and in the Toronto area, but Athol was always his home. George graduated Athol High School in 1958 and Rhode Island School of Design in 1962. His class was the last class to graduate in the field of Machine Design. In the early years, George worked at Rodney Hunt and later took a job at Digital Equipment Corporation in Maynard, MA. He and Polly moved to Boxborough, MA in the mid-1960s only to come back home to Athol a few years later. In 1977, George, alongside Polly, founded Whipps, Inc. For many years he struggled with the ups and downs of a new business yet his perseverance was steadfast. George credits his faith in God for giving him clear direction and paving the way for Whipps, Inc. to quadruple the size of its factory by May 2000. Since then, George and his team have continued to expand the business which now employs more than 70 people. George’s commitment to the business and Athol was unwavering. Proud to have eight family members involved in the operation of Whipps, Inc., he believes the team will continue to grow the business and support the community. Over the years, George was active in the Salvation Army Advisory Board, the Bishops Council and the Anglican Diocese in New England. He enjoyed hosting a weekly Men’s Bible Study which grew from five to more than 20 Christians. George was a member of Grace Anglican Church, Leominster and enjoyed being the spiritual leader of his family. George’s favorite hobby was competitive pistol shooting and was a life member of the Woodsman Rifle and Pistol Club. Survivors include George’s sister Marcia Bell of Burlington, Ontario, and his children and grandchildren Timothy Clark and wife Marsha of Petersham, Elizabeth Whipps and husband Steven Lewis of Athol, Susannah Whipps of Athol, Sarah Kenda and husband Stephen of North Hampton, NH, Evan Whipps and wife Lisa of Hopkinton, NH and Patricia Adams and husband Rick of Athol, Richard Adams and wife Jennifer of Athol, Michael Adams and husband Joe Liebman of Brooklyn, NY; also Sydney, Fred, James and David Adams; Samuel, Hannah and Elizabeth Clark, Ashley Legrand, Robert and Danielle Stair; Isabelle, Emily and Olivia Johnson, Derek Lewis; Ella Whipps; Edward Kenda; and great grandchildren: Ava and Libby Adams; Tucker, Morgan and Autumn Legrand; Dallas and Finn Stair and many nieces, nephews and special friends. George will be missed, by Sadie, his faithful dog. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 22 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Athol Historical Society, 1307 Main St., Athol with Bishop William Murdoch of the Anglican Diocese in New England officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Athol Salvation Army, 107 Ridge Ave, Athol, MA 01331. To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road is directing arrangements.