George F. Hastings, Jr., 83, of Cambridge, died February 4, 2016 at his residence. He was born in Cambridge on October 2...6, 1932 the son of the late George F. Hastings, Sr. and Minnie Shephard Hastings. At one time the Hastings family ran a food market in the building where "Foggy Notions" is today.
George was a 1950 CCS Grad, attended college, then joined the US Navy, serving 1951-55. He was a mechanic for Southworth Machinery in Albany, retiring in 1994 after 30 years of service.

It was at this point that our paths crossed. George was more than just a Veteran, more than just a mechanic. He was an unselfish community volunteer. His obit relates that he worked some retirement years at Woodlands Cemetery. He went well beyond that. Here I was an English major running a cemetery, trying to patch up aging equipment, scout up good workers at basic wages. George stepped in as a volunteer; helping me with repairs and upgrades and getting in alongside us to do the work.

Look closely at the photograph. There is the ancient Cort Cottrell conducting the Cambridge Band at one of the Legion's fall clam steams. The first trumpet you see there? That is George Hastings. I have another image or two of George that I will add when I find them, of George playing a major role in building the permanent Honor Rolls.

Of course he was a member of Captain Maxson Post #634,the American Legion; and naturally. He will be buried at Woodlands with military honors.

In addition to his parents, George was also predeceased by a sister, Marjorie Jarvis. George is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eleanor Gailor Hastings; 2 sons, Robert Hastings of East Greenwich and George “Bill” Hastings of Cambridge. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Jordon Hastings and Aydin O’Hearn; a brother-in-law, Roger Jarvis of Kingston, MA and a sister-in-law, Marjorie Kent of Cambridge and 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Yes, George Hastings was definitely one of the good guys. When a community loses one like George, the community can't help but become just a little bit smaller; just a little bit more separated from its past.