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TAMACCIO

George Robert

George Robert Tamaccio, 62, of Black Creek, passed away on the winter solstice, on Friday night, December 21, after a debilitating illness. George and his partner, Judy Goldschmidt, relocated to the Comox Valley in summer 2005 from Philadelphia, PA to live a more sustainable life on rural acreage as committed land stewards. During his time in BC, George quickly became engaged in local issues and worked as a consultant for Lush Valley Food Action Society’s Planning for Plenty 1, was a founding member of the Macaulay Road Sustainability Group, and, until his death, was active in the Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his family back in Pennsylvania: sisters Mary Boring and Celia Pettit, sister-in-law Marcia Kratz, brothers-in-law Bill Boring and Harry Kratz, and his nieces and nephews Jason & Bill Boring, Melissa and Freddie Woerner, Harrison and Jennie Kratz, and a special Island friend Kathleen Kinasewich. He was the son of the late Harry and Jennie Tamaccio.

A graduate of Penn State University in biology, he also completed an Independent Study in Epidemiology at the University of PA. George was a proud Vietnam War draft resister who chose jail over military service. A passionate environmental activist, advocate and policy consultant, he played a leadership role in numerous environmental organizations. From 1979-1986, he was the Regional Political Director (PA/NJ) for the League of Conservation Voters. For six years, he served as the Community Relations Coordinator for Superfund sites for the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. From 1994 until he left Philadelphia, George worked for a private consulting firm, Solutions for Progress, where he served as Senior Policy Analyst, Director of Sustainable Development, and Associate Director. In addition, George served as President of the PA League of Conservation Voters, and was active on behalf of numerous liberal political candidates.

Those who wish to honour George’s memory may make donations to the Comox Valley Water Watch Coalition, Box 320, Union Bay, BC V0R 3B0 or to the Jewish community Ahavat Olam (PO Box 19569, Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4E7 ) that “adopted” and lovingly supported Judy & George during his last three weeks at Vancouver General Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at a future date.



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