LIVERMORE FALLS — A selectman, businessman and farmer was remembered Monday for his willingness to work toward solutions, his love of the town and being a statesman.
George Cummings Sr., 84, died suddenly Friday after working on his tractor at his farm.
He had two loves of his life: His farm and the town, according to his son, Dana Cummings.
George Cummings was in the midst of a three-year term on the Board of Selectmen, to which he was elected in June 2016. His term would have expired in June 2019.
Dana Cummings said when his father was in grammar school, he went on a field trip to the Town Office, which sparked his interest in town government began.
When the time came, George Cummings always said he wanted to die working on his farm, according to Dana Cummings.
George Cummings had been working on his tractor when he slipped and fell. His son helped him up and, once inside, the elder Cummings fell again. CPR was performed on Cummings, but he could not be revived.
Town Manager Stephen Gould said George Cummings would come in to talk about an issue that concerned the town.
“We were on different political ends of the spectrum, yet we could sit and talk and present our sides and we looked for a common goal,” Gould said.
The two would come to a resolution over whatever they were discussing, he said.
“What I am going to miss the most is his willingness to talk,” Gould said. “He had years of experience and I respected his opinion. He was honest, straightforward and a kind and decent man.”
He may have had a gruff exterior, but underneath it he was very kind, he said.
“He will be missed, no doubt,” Gould said.
Selectmen’s Chairwoman Heather Bronish agreed that Cummings would be missed.
“He was a wonderful man and an involved select board member,” she said.
Cummings served previously as town manager, selectman and on the budget committee, Planning Poard and school board, among other positions. He recently agreed to work on a joint committee with Livermore Falls and Jay officials involved in upgrades needed at the Livermore Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“The town has lost a statesman,” said former Selectman Ron Chadwick, who worked with Cummings on the Board of Selectmen and several committees.
Chadwick said Cummings was devoted to do what he thought was right for the town and a dedicated community member.
dperry@sunmediagroup.net
George Cummings of Livermore Falls outside the Livermore Falls Town Office in 2016. He was elected selectman shortly after this photo was taken. Cummings died suddenly Friday at his farm. He was 84. (Sun Journal File Photo)
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