George William Calver, 76, of Woodstock, passed away due to natural causes on Wednesday, August 5, while enjoying one of his favorite activities – a lengthy bike ride with friends on a gorgeous Vermont evening. Although taken too soon, George died doing something that defined him and that he truly loved: enjoying the outdoors. In his semi-retired years, George was an active member of the greater Woodstock community, having served as a coach and referee for youth and high school sports, a contributing editor for The Vermont Standard, an adult league hockey player, and an active member of the vestry at St. James Episcopal Church.

A proud Canadian citizen his entire life, George was born and raised in Montréal , Quebec, the son of Paula Huette Calver and George Frederick Calver. True to his Canadian heritage, he was a diehard hockey player and fan, and he relished the opportunity to discuss the sport with anyone who would listen. His favorite hockey story was of the time, as an undergraduate at Ithaca College, he played in an exhibition against Cornell and scored Ithaca's lone goal against future Montreal Canadien and Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Ken Dryden. George was an avid outdoorsman, always seeking adventure on a long hike in the White Mountains, cross country skiing in the backcountry, playing adult league hockey, biking the area trails, or playing marathon tennis matches at the Woodstock Athletic Club.

After graduating from Ithaca College (New York) and Osgood Hall Law School (Ontario), George worked for a law firm in Toronto for several years before moving to the States. He spent the rest of his career working as a corporate lawyer for AMCA International and, later, Bombardier Capital. Using his background in law, George volunteered his time providing representation for local adolescents who were victims of domestic abuse. George's presence in the community will be missed by many.

He is survived by his son, Geoff Calver (wife Katie Sawyer Calver); his daughter, Jenn Gaudet (husband Joe Gaudet); and his two granddaughters, Kessler and Sadie Calver. Due to the pandemic, a private memorial service will be held to celebrate his life .

T he family requests that donation s in George's memory be made to either The Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs or The Green Mountain Club.