George Edward Chaffee Sr.

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Comment by Nancy Chaffee-Burgos on February 7, 2009 at 8:55pm

George, was a good man, husband, father and friend. He worked hard to raise is family with his wife Alice. He loved each and everyone of them, in his own way. Eight children to support wasn't always easy. He kept on with a smile on his face, never complaing. Each of you turned out well, with the upbringing of both your parents. Good Dads, are sometimes hard to find. He loved country music, and so proud of Gloria and the band. A card game he would always win. Both George and Alice, helped me so much, when my own family wouldn't. Being with all of you, was the family I always wanted. Having a heart attack quite young, slowed him down,,,,but just a little. I don't think their isn't anybody that doesn't miss him. I tell my grandchildren as much, as I can of family, and grampa. Family is the most important thing, even though their were good times and bad. He knows each and every great grand child, even though they don't realize it. I could go on and on, I'll save space for so many others that called George their support and leaner.

Comment by Punky Zink on February 3, 2009 at 5:00am

I only knew George through playing music in the "old days" of the Country Classics. My fondest recollection was when George and Alice would come to the Vagabond and he'd always ask me to play Down Yonder and he'd sit there and tap his fingers in time with the biggest grin on his face. I've heard a lot of stories about George from Gloria and wish I had had a chance to know him more personally. But George still lives through all his children and will always be here in their hearts and prayers.....

Comment by Gloria on February 2, 2009 at 8:11pm

How can I say how important my dad was in my life. He was always the most understanding and one he was never afraid to show his feelings. I think one of the most leaning moments I remember about my father was when I was 15 and at an all time low over a boy friend that had just broken up with me. It was my dad who came in and sat on the edge of the bed to talk with me as I was crying and all up-set. It must have been so hard for him to talk with a troubled teenager girl and he knew just what to say to make me feel better. Throughout my whole childhood, it was my dad who the leaner for me, not my mother. There were many times when my mom and I weren't getting along, it was my father who came to me and said he knew it wasn't easy for me and that it wasn't me who was wrong all the time, but he really couldn't say much to my mom as then she would be mad at him. But it really made me feel good knowing he understood me more than anyone else. It was my dad who taught me how to fish also and I love going out fishing with him as well. My regret is that he never got to know that Punky and I ended up together. He always admired Punky's piano playing and his personality. When we played at the Vagabond, he would be sitting at the table making his hands move like he was playing himself when Punky would play Down Yonder, the song my dad always requested Punky to play. Even tho his 'religion' took him in another direction, I will always remember him squeezing my hand to wish me a happy birthday (against his religion) or very quietly wishing me a Merry Christmas (also against his religion). I knew in his heart how he felt and he knew I knew, there was just an understanding there that I will cherish forever. I sometimes get looking at pictures of him and I can't help the tears as I miss him so much. I so wish he could have lived long enough to see Candy marry Kevin and to see what a great person Kevin is and the beautiful little Kaleb they created together I would sit up late at night when I was little and listen to my mom and dad singing and playing their guitars and I guess that's where it was instilled in me as well. I still play songs they used to sing. We never had much growing up, but we always had dad to lean on and as we all got jobs after school, we didn't mind him leaning on us as well. I also remember my dad's love for the telephone. After we were grown and had our own families, they would come to visit and they wouldn't have 'hello' out of their mouths before dad was on the phon calling someone, just to get them on the phone and then hand it to my mother to say hello. How I'd love to have him walk thru my door now to use my phone. There is so much that has he missed out on, passing away at 64. But dad, as you know, I talk to you often and you will always be in my heart. I love and miss you terribly.