Welcome to the memorial page for
George W. Waddell
May 27, 1926 ~ November 17, 2015 (age 89) 89 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Susan Stampf Casperson
May 26, 2016 6:35 PM
Wish we could be there with you on Saturday to share and celebrate George's life.
I was just completing my freshman year of college when our family first met the Waddells. Our dad had accepted the position of director of Camp Programming for the Chicago Baptist Association. That was over fifty years ago. However, the feelings of respect and closeness which developed between our families still remain clear and vivid in our minds and hearts.
Camp Grow was a very special physical as well as spiritual place. It had access to 2 lakes, a beautiful (well-mowed) meadow, teepees, woods, and forested paths for hiking. A simple wooden cross stood in the meadow and the words "To find God's purpose for my life" were carved into the dining room fireplace mantle. The sense of gratitude/appreciation inspired by the landscape was foundational to the development of enduring friendships - a gift experienced by "camp family".
Our permanent summer "camp family" consisted of the Waddells, our family (Stampfs), Mr. Steve and Miss Alice, and often Laura, Teddy, and Tommy Noller.
Programming staff was voluntary and usually changed each week.
The Waddell family lived at camp year round. A perfect place for a family with five children. Winnie, Bill, Tom, Dick, and Harry were all beautiful, adventuresome, fun-loving, respectful children. It was a joy to come to know them and watch them grow. Even at a young age, Winnie knew a lot of specifics concerning plants and animals. Jody and I often enjoyed informal, instructive walks with her. On one such walk, I spotted a group of "ducks". Thinking Winnie would know the type of duck and probably be able to give specific information about that type I said,"What do you call those "ducks"? Never changing expression, Winnie calmly replied, "You call those ducks- geese!"
Camp tends to be informal and everyone is called by their first name. However, out of respect, the Waddell children always addressed people using the prefix Mr./Miss. That is why we always used the names "Miss Lois and Mr. George".
Mr. George" was a many-faceted, talented, generous man with a strong heart for people and a fun-loving spirit. He was a natural woodsman and probably would have been a famous pioneer had he been born 200 years earlier. He could build the perfect camp fire, lead singing and/or give an inspirational talk with ease. He had a great sense of humor and eyes that often twinkled with a bit of mischievousness.
There is an old saying that the best gift a man can give his children is to "love his wife". Mr. George certainly exemplified that sentiment. He was a devoted, joyful husband with an enduring appreciation for "Miss Lois" and the life they built together. Mr. George was also an involved and very proud father. The lives of Winnie, Bill, Tom, Dick, and Harry are living testaments to the love and teachings they received from both their parents.
I have to mention the "tractor". Camp Grow's meadow was large and a tractor was required for mowing. A great piece of machinery! Noting my interest, Mr. George took the time to teach me how to drive the tractor. A "dream come true" for a girl from the south side of Chicago. A further honor came when the tractor came to be called "Miss Sue".
The summers we shared with the Waddell family at Camp Grow remain as some of the best, most cherished times of our lives. As my brother Rich put it not long ago - living at camp was like "living in paradise".
Our thoughts are with all of you as you remember and celebrate the life of the Rev. George Waddell.... Husband, father, grandfather, minister, musician, and loving friend... a unique man whose life touched so many hearts. He is dearly missed!
With Love,
Susan (Miss Sue)
I was just completing my freshman year of college when our family first met the Waddells. Our dad had accepted the position of director of Camp Programming for the Chicago Baptist Association. That was over fifty years ago. However, the feelings of respect and closeness which developed between our families still remain clear and vivid in our minds and hearts.
Camp Grow was a very special physical as well as spiritual place. It had access to 2 lakes, a beautiful (well-mowed) meadow, teepees, woods, and forested paths for hiking. A simple wooden cross stood in the meadow and the words "To find God's purpose for my life" were carved into the dining room fireplace mantle. The sense of gratitude/appreciation inspired by the landscape was foundational to the development of enduring friendships - a gift experienced by "camp family".
Our permanent summer "camp family" consisted of the Waddells, our family (Stampfs), Mr. Steve and Miss Alice, and often Laura, Teddy, and Tommy Noller.
Programming staff was voluntary and usually changed each week.
The Waddell family lived at camp year round. A perfect place for a family with five children. Winnie, Bill, Tom, Dick, and Harry were all beautiful, adventuresome, fun-loving, respectful children. It was a joy to come to know them and watch them grow. Even at a young age, Winnie knew a lot of specifics concerning plants and animals. Jody and I often enjoyed informal, instructive walks with her. On one such walk, I spotted a group of "ducks". Thinking Winnie would know the type of duck and probably be able to give specific information about that type I said,"What do you call those "ducks"? Never changing expression, Winnie calmly replied, "You call those ducks- geese!"
Camp tends to be informal and everyone is called by their first name. However, out of respect, the Waddell children always addressed people using the prefix Mr./Miss. That is why we always used the names "Miss Lois and Mr. George".
Mr. George" was a many-faceted, talented, generous man with a strong heart for people and a fun-loving spirit. He was a natural woodsman and probably would have been a famous pioneer had he been born 200 years earlier. He could build the perfect camp fire, lead singing and/or give an inspirational talk with ease. He had a great sense of humor and eyes that often twinkled with a bit of mischievousness.
There is an old saying that the best gift a man can give his children is to "love his wife". Mr. George certainly exemplified that sentiment. He was a devoted, joyful husband with an enduring appreciation for "Miss Lois" and the life they built together. Mr. George was also an involved and very proud father. The lives of Winnie, Bill, Tom, Dick, and Harry are living testaments to the love and teachings they received from both their parents.
I have to mention the "tractor". Camp Grow's meadow was large and a tractor was required for mowing. A great piece of machinery! Noting my interest, Mr. George took the time to teach me how to drive the tractor. A "dream come true" for a girl from the south side of Chicago. A further honor came when the tractor came to be called "Miss Sue".
The summers we shared with the Waddell family at Camp Grow remain as some of the best, most cherished times of our lives. As my brother Rich put it not long ago - living at camp was like "living in paradise".
Our thoughts are with all of you as you remember and celebrate the life of the Rev. George Waddell.... Husband, father, grandfather, minister, musician, and loving friend... a unique man whose life touched so many hearts. He is dearly missed!
With Love,
Susan (Miss Sue)
Message from Lynn (Handrich) Creamer
November 30, 2015 7:48 PM
I read of your Dad's passing in the Argus yesterday. It saddens me to know that another real good person has left this world, but know that he has gone on to a better place. You have my deepest sympathy and know that both of your parents leave me with kind and thoughtful memories that match the life they led.
Message from Terry and Jean Purvis
November 28, 2015 8:10 AM
We were shocked, but I guess not supersized, to here of Georges passing. We knew his health was failing. What a wonderful person he was and how fortunate we were to call him a friend. I can not think of one person who did not love him. We always enjoyed seeing and talking to him and we will miss him dearly. To us there will always be something missing in Saxeville.
A candle was lit by Marcia Riendeau
on November 22, 2015 10:28 PM
A candle was lit by Ron & Marion Snyder CLMC
on November 22, 2015 2:14 PM
Message from Fred Stansbury
November 20, 2015 8:00 AM
My condolences to your entire family. Please let me know if there is anything you need.
Message from Warren Waddell
November 24, 2015 4:41 PM
Thank you Fred. At this point we are all doing pretty well. Mom is struggling the most, but hey, they were together for 65 years. She is staying with my sister for a couple of weeks in Michigan.
Now the reason for Sara and Rick's wedding becomes clear. What a blessing they were to him by including him in their wedding. Great kids we have there!
Thank you so much for your concern.
Warren Waddell
Now the reason for Sara and Rick's wedding becomes clear. What a blessing they were to him by including him in their wedding. Great kids we have there!
Thank you so much for your concern.
Warren Waddell
A candle was lit by Fred Stansbury
on November 20, 2015 7:56 AM
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