‘Oxford worker’ George Hesketh dies

When George Hesketh was given a retirement party by Detroit Edison in 1984, then Oxford Leader editor James A. Sherman, Sr., published the following headline:
George Hesketh; Edison and Oxford worker
Mr. Hesketh, a resident of Oxford since 1966, passed away at Crittenton Hospital on December 2, 2005. He had been in the hospital for a few weeks. He was 80 years old. He is remembered by locals as a tireless supporter of this community? somebody who worked many hours to help make Oxford a better place to live.
Mr. Hesketh leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Margaret (Peg), two daughters, Cynthia A. Sowter, and Catherine A. (Richard) Burton and grandchildren, Bradley and Justin Sowter, Randall and Robyn Davidson, Richard and Ryan Burton. He was preceded in death by his son, George A. III.
‘What can you say about the guy,? longtime friend and fellow Rotarian Roger Oberg said. ‘He was a perfect gentleman. He’s a great guy. I think he was decent to everybody. His wife Peg is a great cook and when she made dinner she’d make enough for me. George would always leave me some at the back door or bring it in if I was home. He was a very dedicated person to the community.?
A member of Rotary, he was past president and named a Paul Harris Fellow, for his efforts as a Rotarian.
Oakland County Commission, Oxford Township resident, and Rotarian Bill Patterson fondly recalls the man he called a ‘true friend.?
‘George was employed for Edison, but he worked for Oxford — he worked for us. He always looked out for people. We would bend over backwards to help somebody. If it was in his power, he would help.?
In his spare time Patterson said Mr. Hesketh like to ‘tinker around in his garage, use his hands and dote on his grandkids.?
Later in life, according to Patterson, he liked to go ‘up north? with Peg where they had a mobile home.
‘Once they sold that, they still liked to go up to Caseville or Port Austin for perch dinners. He like that.?
He was also very active with the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce — which he joined when in 1966 as a manager for Detroit Edison. He was on the chamber’s Board of Directors from 1967 until 1990. In the mid-1990s he and Peg were given honorary lifetime memberships to the chamber.
‘He helped me a lot when I first started,? said Oxford Chamber Executive Director Jennifer Duncan. ‘He was very supportive and full of knowledge of the things the chamber had done in the past. He and Peggy always helped out at the golf outings.?
Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, Mr. Hesketh is survived by his Godchild Susan Eaton, sister-in-laws Julie Morrison, Loretta Adams, and Patricia (Jim) Beier; many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Hesketh was born on September 16, 1925. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1943. He then served in the 129th U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (better known as the Seabees) in the Philippines during WWII from 1943-1946. When he returned stateside, he earned his degree from the Business Institute. He and Peg were married on January 25, 1947 at the First Congregational Church in Rochester. He started work with Detroit Edison on June 8, 1950 and retired from the company as District Manger on January 3, 1985. He managed offices in Rochester, Lake Orion and Oxford.
‘George managed the Oxford office, Orion and Ortonville as well. He supervised all three until they (Detroit Edison) combined all into one office in Rochester,? Patterson said.
When he retired over 100 of his fellow workers and friend attended the party. Said Detroit Edison’s Ralph Mertz at the time, ‘George served with distinction. He gave the gift of good example.?
Mr. Hesketh also served as past president of Oxford Chamber of Commerce and executive secretary from 1983-1990. He served on the chamber board for 21 years. In 1984, he received the Outstanding Business Person Award. He served as Director of Oxford Community Development Authority from 1990-1995.
He was a member of American Legion Walter Frasier Post #108, Oxford, Rochester Elks #2225 (Lifetime member), Friends of the Oxford Township Library, Immanuel Congregational Church (Board of Trustees), Stoney Creek Masonic Lodge #5 F&AM, Rochester Shriners Club and Moslem Temple, Oxford Hills Golf and Country Club Thursday Golf League. He also served on the School Study Committee, Village Board of Appeals, Oxford Twp. Board of Review and the township Election Board.
A memorial service was at the Immanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, on Hovey Street in Oxford on Tuesday. Burial was at Mt. Avon Cemetery, Rochester. Family wishes donations be made to Crossroads for Youth in Oxford. Arrangements were in the care of the Modetz Funeral Home, 100 E. Silverbell Rd., Orion. Online guest book www.modetzfuneralhomes.com