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George M. Traber III
If a book were written about George Traber’s life, it
would be several chapters long with a common theme running from
beginning to end – community service leader. It would contain page
after page of accounts of Traber seeing a need in the life of someone
less fortunate or envisioning a way to make their world a little bit
better and doing something about it. Throughout the chapters, only the
names of the people whose lives he helped improve would change. Traber,
of Caledonia, was a community leader in every sense of the word. He
touched the lives of many in Livingston County and beyond and single
handedly motivated dozens of others here at home to do the same.
On July
22, 2008, he passed away at the age of 84 after declining health
following a stroke and heart problems in the past year. He was born in Perry, NY and as a young man became
president of his family-owned business, the Perry Knitting Mills. After
the sale of the knitting mill in 1967, Traber joined the management team
at Jones Chemicals, Inc. and remained there until his retirement several
years ago. Traber’s 47-year old daughter, Marilyn, recalls that
it was her father’s efforts during difficult economic times that kept
the mill going for as long as it did and saved dozens of jobs. She says
he carried that attitude of service to others into every avenue of his
life.
"I just remember thinking that if there was a
charity, if there was somebody in need or if someone needed something
done, they’d call my dad and he would say he’d take care of
it," Marilyn commented of her father.
Traber moved his family to Caledonia in 1969 and joined
the Livingston County Industrial Development Agency in 1974, one year
after its inception and has been a continuous member and tireless worker
towards its mission ever since. He chaired the IDA from 1992 to 2007.
Traber and former chairman Austin Morris headed all of the LCIDA
functions during its first 14 years of un-staffed existence. In 1988 he
spearheaded an effort to include economic development as a function of
the LCIDA. LCIDA Executive Director, Patrick Rountree, calls Traber
"one of the men from the greatest generation who put the needs of
the community over himself." Rountree says Traber played a strong
role in bringing American Rock Salt to Retsof, Livingston County in the
midst of strong vocal opposition. The two men worked closely together
over the years and Rountree describes him as the backbone of the
organization. Not a typical chairman; he regularly attended training
sessions and conferences.
"For me, I knew I had the full confidence of the
board of directors and the chairman; I knew that he stood behind me,
" Rountree said.
Traber was a founding organizer of the Livingston County
Chamber of Commerce and served as their president from 1992 to 1993. His
foresight led to the creation of positions for an executive director and
tourism director at the chamber.
Traber’s influence led the chamber to initiate the
Distinguished Leadership Award, which he received in 1995. The plaque
reads, "Leadership – the ability to motivate and direct people
to achieve goals, solve problems and answer needs through personal
actions and example."
In 2007 the chamber created the George Traber Community
Service Award to reflect his enormous contributions. Chamber President
Cynthia Oswald told the County News that "Livingston County wouldn’t
be where it is today without George Traber."
One of Traber’s most significant contributions to the
Livingston County community is his leadership role in founding the
United Way of Livingston County. Karen Rumfola, regional director for
the local United Way, said Traber was the United Way. She worked
alongside of him for several years and says that Traber "Had a
great impact on me and molded my character. It would be difficult to
list all of the many things he did to make this a better place,"
Rumfola added.
"He was so passionate about his work. I know in my
lifetime I don’t think I will ever see a volunteer as passionate about
his community as George. He was a leader. Once George was in control,
everyone else followed," Rumfola fondly recalled.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Nicholas Noyes
Memorial Hospital and Vice Chair of UWLC, James Whissler, describes
Traber as a man "who always looked out for those in need, those
less priviledged, to ensure that they were getting the services that
they needed. He was an example for all of us and I’m going to miss his
mentoring and leadership."
David Parish, executive director of the Northern
Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross, a United Way
agency, says he owes his job to Traber who vigorously worked to ensure
that the local Red Cross had a professional executive director, in order
to make it a better organization. Parish says Traber was always looking
for better ways for the United Way to help the people of Livingston
County. He credits Traber for the United Way’s success in Livingston
County.
"George Traber enjoyed being portrayed as a tough,
but fair man. Yet, when it came to community needs, he was a
softy who wanted anything and everything for the people."
Traber chaired and was a United Way board member at the time of his
death.
A WWII veteran of the European theatre, Traber has been
extremely active in veteran affairs, both locally with the Matthew
Cleary Post 255 and at the county level. He was a past post commander,
past Livingston County Commander, and current co-chair of the 7th
district and chairman of the county oratorical contest.
"He was our go-to guy, chairman for the Caledonia
Memorial Day parade and co-chair for our Veterans’ Day dinner. From
planting flowers and watering the lawn, to taking out the garbage, he
always volunteered and was an amazing worker for a man of his years. He
will be sadly missed," commented Mel Keenan, Matthew Cleary Post
Commander.
Traber was a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Buffalo for over 25 years, a 36-year member of the Cal-Mum Lions Club
and had been a member of the New York State Economic Development Council
for over 20 years. Since 1955 Traber served on the Executive Board of
the Iroquois Trail Council (formerly Genesee Council) of the Boy Scouts
of America. He is a recipient of Scouting’s Silver Beaver Award, the
Council’s highest award.
He is survived by his wife, Beth and adult children
Daniel Traber and Marilyn (Rob) Myers; sister-in-law, Verna Lee Traber;
several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his daughter, Beth Ann;
brothers, John and Bill Traber.
Friends called Sunday, July 27, 2008, 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the Alhart
Funeral Home, 3068 W. Main Street, Caledonia where his Funeral Service was
held Monday at 11 AM. Private military interment at Glenwood Cemetery in
Perry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Matthew Cleary
Post Veteran's Memorial or the United Way.
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