George D. Mavin

George Douglas Mavin of Weymouth, MA, died peacefully at home on March 16, 2024, after a remarkably long, healthy and full life. He was 98 years old.

He was the beloved husband of the late Catherine Mavin (née Reid); devoted father of Keith Mavin (wife Jennifer), Glenda Mavin and Trudy Mavin (husband Peter Doskoch); and cherished grandfather of Kaitlyn Garlick (husband Kelly), Graham Doskoch and Evelyn Doskoch. He is also survived by his stepbrothers Terrence, Ronald and Gordon Mavin, and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George Edward Mavin and Margaret Mavin (née Gray), his sister Robina Mavin, his brother Robert Mavin and his stepbrothers Derek, Donald and Sidney Mavin.

George was born in rural Ferneybeds, Morpeth, England. In his boyhood he enjoyed school lessons, field games and local pastimes, and loved roaming the countryside. His education was cut short when, at age 14, he joined his father at the nearby colliery and began mining the area’s rich coal seams to help provide for the family during the hard times of the era. In his teens he led a social club, played youth football (i.e., soccer) and went to Newcastle United matches with his best pal Archie. He came of age during the Second World War and served in Britain’s Home Guard, a civilian defense corps. Although he did not finish school, George was curious, well read and self-taught in many subjects, especially history and geography. He was a prolific letter-writer and never failed to answer correspondence promptly in his unique longhand style.

George had a keen interest in music, as evidenced by his large collection of 78s, vinyl LPs and CDs (which was heavy on Big Band and swing, Dixieland jazz and traditional folk). He was a wonderful ballroom dancer and went often to the local dance halls. It was there he met and courted his true love, Cath, and first waltzed with her to “The Loveliest Night of the Year.” They wed in 1952, honeymooned in Switzerland and embarked on a 63-year marriage in which they welcomed three children, enjoyed family life and traveled as much as possible, first in England and then in the U.S. after immigrating and settling near Boston in 1962. George’s wanderlust took the family on many New England excursions and on memorable vacations up and down the East Coast, with Lake George, NY, and Bonita Springs, FL, as frequent destinations. One highlight was an epic cross-country road trip to see the great parks, landmarks and monuments of the American West. But nothing fed George’s soul as much as going back to England’s green and pleasant land to see relatives and friends in his old Northumberland stomping grounds and sample his favorite treats.

Throughout his life, George set a fine example by always toiling without complaint and making the most of his scant leisure time. With his unstinting work ethic, tenacity and forthright manner, he was a valued and productive employee at all his jobs. After 22 hazardous years in the coal mines, he started work in Massachusetts doing double shifts at Northern Steel and Continental Can, which went on for many years, and then held various other positions before his long career as a nursing home maintenance supervisor. Averse to idleness, he was equally industrious on the weekends. Over 35 years, he totally remodeled the family home in Weymouth (with help from neighbor Carl), maintained and repaired everything in it and the cars too and diligently tended his beautiful garden. To relax he would take Cath dancing at the Canoe Club, take the kids on a Sunday drive and watch the Bruins or Red Sox in the den.

In retirement George wrote a memoir, compiled an extensive archive of photos, genealogy records and memorabilia, and kept busy with part-time jobs. Later on he was a poll worker and beach walker in Duxbury, where he and Cath enjoyed the final chapter of their life together before her passing in 2015.

In keeping with George’s wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Duxbury Senior Center, Friends of the Duxbury Council on Aging, P.O. Box 2113, Duxbury, MA 02331.