George Ghesquiere

George Ghesquiere, whose words of wisdom could stop you in your tracks, sink in and stay with you for years to come, often altering your world view or clarifying your deepest sense of self, died on December 6, 2023. He was 90.

He was Hollywood handsome without trying. His velvety voice landed him a Kodak radio spot, no audition needed. He had a smile that lit up the room and a laugh that still lingers for all those who had the privilege of being in his orbit. But what many remember most is that George was good.

He was good at golf and capturing what caught his eye with his Canon FD lens. He had a good sense of direction and a knack for recalling random facts. He loved a good Sunday drive and could tell you the make and model of any classic car by the slightest detail or curve. He was a good listener who let you talk without interruption until that look in his eye let you know he had something interesting to add when you were ready to hear it. 

He believed in the power of a good nap but only after successfully tackling a task. He knew all the good spots for roadside diners, half-off Broadway tickets, hiking in the Adirondack mountains, swordfishing in Acapulco, and catching Islamorada sunrises and sunsets. He was good at finding just what you needed before you even knew to look for it.

He read The New York Times cover to cover and clipped articles to mail to family and friends long after it was easier to press send. He excelled at his advertising career and saved when others were driven to excess, always living within his means. He loved westerns and Willie Nelson songs about cowboys who rode off into the sunset but he was one of the good guys who stayed.

George was a bachelor well into his 30s until a dazzling Dutchie caught his eye at a bar in Cliffside Park, N.J. She fell for his “can you pass the pretzels?” opener, his dashing good looks and his cat, Charlie. Speaking seven languages was impressive, but it was her quick wit that made it clear he’d met his match. George and Annemarie were happily married for 54 years. They raised their children, Sarah and David, in Allendale, N.J. before moving to St Louis and retiring in Tecumseh, Mich.

Born in Oak Park, Ill., to immigrant parents who arrived (by car through Canada) seeking opportunity only to find the great depression, George was first-generation Belgian American and proud. He grew up playing stickball in alleys, riding streetcars, crashing weddings and cheering on his father’s prize-winning racing pigeons. A good start that shaped his strength, resilience, independence and determination.

George would likely agree that he was a good husband, father, son, brother, cousin, godfather, uncle, businessman, citizen, neighbor, friend... and on a good day, a pretty good golfer. But his loved ones know he was more than good, he was one of the greatest. 

George Ghesquiere is survived by his son David (wife Lacie and Quinn), his daughter Sarah (granddog Millie), his granddaughter Kate, his brother Bill (wife Tudie), his nieces and nephew (Susie, Bob, Jennifer and Leah), and his cousins (Betty, Janet, Tim, Brian, Donna, Tom and Bev). He is preceded in death by his amazing wife Annemarie, his parents Ernest and Ida, his brother Bob, his beloved cousins Roger, Loraine, George, Virginia and Al, his devoted dogs Max and Buster, his cat Charlie and a couple Harry the canaries.

A celebration of George’s life will be held in the spring, just in time for opening day of his St. Louis Cardinals and Frosty Boy stand, where he’d be having his usual chocolate and vanilla twist cone in a cup with sprinkles. If you would like to make a donation in his honor, please consider Hidden Lake Gardens, the Adirondack Council or the charity of your choice. 

Special thanks to all the dementia caregivers at Brookdale W. Eisenhower Pkwy, where George spent his final year with dignity, humor and love.